Developing a Microsatellite Polymerase Chain Reaction System for Small Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) and Its Application in Parentage Assignment

TL;DR

This paper develops a PCR system using microsatellite markers to accurately identify parentage in small yellow croaker, aiding breeding and conservation efforts.

Contribution

A novel multiplex PCR system using microsatellite markers for precise parentage assignment in small yellow croaker is developed and validated.

Findings

The multiplex PCR system accurately assigned parentage in controlled mating pairs.

The system maintained high accuracy in complex group mating scenarios.

The tool supports sustainable aquaculture and genetic improvement of the species.

Abstract

The small yellow croaker, a fish of high economic value in East Asia, faces population decline due to overfishing and environmental issues. The development of effective breeding programs for this species is crucial, and accurate parentage assignment is essential for such programs. This study developed a microsatellite marker-based multiplex PCR system for precise parentage identification in the small yellow croaker. The researchers utilized the assembled reference genome to select highly polymorphic markers and optimized a multiplex PCR system for simultaneous amplification. The system was validated using controlled mating pairs and successfully applied to a group mating scenario, demonstrating high accuracy in assigning offspring to their parents. This system offers a valuable tool for pedigree management, selective breeding, and conservation efforts for the small yellow croaker, facilitating sustainable aquaculture practices and genetic improvement.

(1) Background: The small yellow croaker, an economically important fish in East Asia, has been subjected to population declines due to overfishing and environmental pressures. The development of effective breeding programs is considered crucial for the species, and accurate parentage assignment is deemed essential for such programs. (2) Methods: The assembled reference genome of the small yellow croaker was utilized to select highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. A multiplex PCR system was optimized for the simultaneous amplification of these markers. The system’s accuracy was validated using controlled mating pairs and subsequently applied to a group mating scenario. (3) Results: The developed multiplex PCR system demonstrated high accuracy in assigning offspring to their parents in both the controlled and group mating scenarios. (4) Conclusions: The system is presented as a valuable tool for pedigree management, selective breeding, and conservation efforts for the small yellow croaker, facilitating sustainable aquaculture practices and genetic improvement.

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