Identification of candidate genes for survival and their use in predicting field performance of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas families in coastal waters

Graduation date: 2009Summer mortality of farmed Pacific oysters causes financial losses for shellfish growers, and selective breeding to improve survival of offspring is a promising way to reduce losses. This dissertation has two objectives to assist the development of tools for use in selective breeding programs. \ud Objective 1: Identify candidate genes for selection and use in predictive assays by examining the transcriptome response to heat shock in gill of heat-shocked (40°C, 1 h) oysters and comparing gene transcription between families with high (>65%) or low (