Genetic stock identification in Perna viridis (Linnaeus1758) from the Indian Peninsula by using microsatellite markers.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), the Asian green mussel, is native to the Asia-Pacific region. The species is extensively distributed in the Indian subcontinent and is a candidate species for aquaculture in the Southeast Asian region. Availability of genetic information on wild populations is essential for the effective conservation and management of Perna species. The present study assessed the genetic variation and population structure across the distribution range of this species from the Indian peninsula by using microsatellite markers to determine the genetic structuring among the species. METHODS: A total of 15 microsatellite loci with M13 labeling were used for the genetic characterization of P. viridis along Indian waters. Genotyped data were analyzed using analytical software to determine the genetic stocks and understand the genetic variability across the populations. RESULTS: We identified 15 polymorphic markers to understand the genetic stocks and variability across Perna populations. The mean value of the observed heterozygosity (Hobs 0.741) for all populations was closer to the expected heterozygosity (Hexp 0.75). The pairwise Fst values between the west and east coasts of India varied significantly, indicating the existence of significant genetic structure between the populations. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic stock identification using software analysis exhibited two distinct stocks, one along the west coast (Arabian Sea) and another along the east coast (Bay of Bengal). Bottleneck analysis indicated the genetic stability of species in the wild. P. viridis is a commercially vital species in Indian peninsular regions. The present study suggests the adoption of stock-specific relaying programs of the species from Indian waters in future studies.