Dynamic simulation of diploid vs. triploid Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) productive performance in northwestern Mexico

Abstract

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was introduced in northwestern Mexico for aquaculture purposes. Although its cultivation has been successful, this species has shown high mortalities during summer. To mitigate this problem, producers have resorted to biotechnology (triploidy), whose performance -regarding diploid seedling- depends on site conditions and stocking time. Hence, uncertainty exists on its benefits under real production conditions. This research evaluates triploidy performance by implementing a dynamic simulation model considering environmental effects (temperature and chlorophyll) on culture production. The dynamic simulation was based on systems theory, dividing the productive system into two sub-models (environmental and biological), including temperature and chlorophyll effects, growth, mortality, and condition index parameterized in the function of the environmental parameters. The dynamic simulation results suggest that implementing triploid culture is advantageous in zones under high stress associated with high temperature and low productivity; likewise, triploid spat tends to show better performance independently of the site. Nevertheless, performance by ploidy varies depending on the environmental conditions of the sites.