research
Project Summary Dermo (Perkinsus marinus) is a common and occasionally devastating disease of American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) found along the US East coast from Maine to Florida and along the Gulf coast. First documented in the 1940’s in Chesapeake Bay, the disease has spread northward affecting oyster farmers throughout its range. Typically observed in oysters at least one year old, moderate to heavy infections reduce growth, lower the oyster’s condition, reduce reproductive potential and, of course, cause death. Attempts to control the disease have largely focused on not transplanting infected seed and taking advantage of low salinity (< 9 ppt) areas where the disease does not do as well. Unfortunately, many oyster farmers don’t have access to low salinity growing areas and are affected by disease. This has led to a demand for Dermo resistant oysters. In this study, Dermo resistance was assessed in two populations of oysters from Martha’s Vineyard (MA, USA) and the results demonstrate that shellfish farmers will be able to realize improved survival with local broodstock that has experienced persistent disease pressure. Though heavily affected populations have long been thought to be good sources of disease-resistant brood stock, this study conclusively demonstrates this. The research also identified specific genetic markers in oysters that indicate improved immune performance, allowing shellfish hatchery managers to be confident that their broodstock is tolerant to Dermo. Specifically, gene expression analysis was carried out on select immune related genes. In addition to serving as markers, these patterns provide insight into shellfish immune function and host-parasite interactions associated with oyster disease. This research was supported by the Cooperative State Research Education, and Extension Service, US Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2003-38500-13505.
________________________________________________________Below is a short television special broadcast on Martha's Vineyard Community Television:
In Search of Disease Resistant Oysters. Produced by Gail Tipton.
In Search of Disease Resistant Oysters. Produced by Gail Tipton.
To support Martha's Vineyard Community Television or order a DVD please visit the station's website.
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Field Notes
Archived perspectives from the field (and some from the lab) - including photos, movies, graphs, and more.
Archived perspectives from the field (and some from the lab) - including photos, movies, graphs, and more.
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Poster on related research efforts: Dermo Diagnosis (click to see full size)
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Student Powerpoint Presentation. Author: Elie DIner
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Student Lab Report on Summer 2006 samples. Author: Zachary Schiller
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Powerpoint presented by Dr. Smolowitz at NACE 2007
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Powerpoint presented by Dr. Roberts at NSA 2008 (April 2008)
Read this doc on Scribd: NSA Roberts oyster
Development of genetic markers to assess disease resistance in the eastern oyster
