Author(s): Justin David Clifton

Abstract: Production of androgenetic clones using preserved sperm is advantageous in resurrecting a lost population and germplasm conservation. Generation of androgenetic clones to produce 100% males in economically important species is a desirable practice in aquaculture. However, reasons for failure of the clones to generate all male population remains unknown. We investigated reproductive performances of androgenetic widow tetra, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi generated using cryopreserved albino widow tetra (WT) sperm and their ability to generate all male population were assessed. Survival of albino androgenotes at hatching and sexual maturity was 11% and 8%, respectively. Gonado-somatic-index (GSI) and fecundity of F0 androgenetic females (X²X²) was significantly (P<0.05) lower and exhibited delayed sexual maturity compared to controls (X¹X²) contrastingly, androgenetic males (Y²Y²) had higher sperm-count and performed superior to controls (X¹Y²). Progeny testing crosses between F0 androgenetic males (Y²Y²) and heterozygous control females (X¹X²) generated 96-99% males and 2-4% unexpected females confirming the role of paternal autosomes upon sex determination. Reasons for delayed maturity, reduced reproductive performance and generation of unexpected females by progeny testing are discussed.

Pages: 115-119  |  1297 Views  125 Downloads

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