Dissertation
Genetic investigation and molecular identification of reproduction neuropeptides in sea cucumber
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00515
Abstract
Sea cucumbers are important species both ecologically and economically throughout much of the world and have become a favorite food in Asian countries since they are a major source of many healthy natural products. Unfortunately, wild sea cucumbers are being overfished, leading to their rapid decline. Thus, stock enhancement and aquaculture breeding has been being implemented in some countries to produce high quality juveniles for their growth and eventual harvest to keep up with demand. However, the stock enhancement and breeding of sea cucumbers in aquaculture faces enormous challenges, such as lack of genetic information and reproductive dysfunction. My PhD research addressed these problems using genetic investigation and application of reproductive neuropeptides in sea cucumbers, in particular the black sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota. This is the first comprehensive investigation into the population genetics of H. leucospilota using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The results indicated that there was high gene flow and genetic similarities among Vietnamese populations, which inferred a high panmictic stock structure in Vietnam. Also, there exists significant genetic differentiation between Darwin (Northern Australia) and other sea cucumber populations studied (Vietnam and Eastern Australia). Based on these findings, a captive stock enhancement program could use local broodstock from coastal areas of Vietnam, but with an effective population size of 50 to 150 individuals to ensure long-term genetic diversity. The Darwin sea cucumber stock should not be included in captive breeding programs to reduce genetic risks.
Details
- Title
- Genetic investigation and molecular identification of reproduction neuropeptides in sea cucumber
- Authors
- Chieu Hoang Dinh
- Contributors
- Scott F Cummins (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00515
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451253902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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