Selective breeding for the hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops, Rafinesque [multiplication]M. saxatilis, Walbaum) industry: status and perspectives

• Published in: Aquaculture research Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 319 - 338
• Main Authors: Garber, Amber F, Sullivan, Craig V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2006; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: bass; Brackish; breeding methods; domestication; fish culture; genetic improvement; genetic variation; geographical distribution; hybrid striped bass; hybrids; industry; market prices; Morone; Morone chrysops; Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis; Morone saxatilis; parents; population distribution; population genetics; production costs; reproduction; retail marketing; selective breeding; USA, North Carolina
• ISSN: 1355-557X; 1365-2109
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2109.2005.01439.x

The hybrid striped bass (HSB) farming industry has considerable potential for growth into domestic retail markets, but expansion of this industry is limited by high production costs that dictate high prices for HSB. It is widely recognized within the industry that selective breeding of an improved HSB will be required to increase production efficiency and reduce market prices. A National Program of Genetic Improvement and Selective Breeding for the HSB Industry has been initiated and some progress has been made toward domestication of the parent species of the hybrid. However, uncertainty remains as to which breeding procedures will most rapidly yield sustainable genetic gains in key production traits. This paper consolidates and reviews general information on the biology of temperate basses (genus Morone) relevant to selective breeding of improved HSB. The topics covered include control of reproduction, geographic distribution of stocks and population genetic variation. This is followed by a brief review of the current application of selective breeding techniques, including those based on molecular markers. Finally, we discuss potential avenues for genetic improvement of HSB in a selective breeding program.