P0674 Utilizing Genetics to Revive the Shrimp Culture Industry in the Philippines

Benedict A. Maralit , University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Minerva Fatimae H. Ventolero , National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Quezon City, Philippines
Mary Beth B. Maningas , University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Mudjekeewis D. Santos , Ateneo de Manila University , Quezon City, Philippines
The Philippine shrimp culture industry was once touted as a "sunshine" industry in the country and was among the top 3 shrimp producers in the world. Because of the White Spot Virus (WSV) in the early 1990's, the industry collapsed and never recovered eversince. Three key factors have been identified in order to revive it including 1) the culture of specific-pathogen free (SPF) and specific-pathogen resistant (SPR) broodstock and “high health” fry ; 2) use of best management practices (BMPs) such as probiotics and biosecurity measures; and 3) marketing and compliance to food safety regulations (Mojica, 2008). Here, we started to address these issues using genetics and biotechnology-based applications. We specifically report 1) the generation and comparison of gene expression profiles of “resistant” and “susceptible” black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) that may be used for broodstock selection; 2) the development of new primers that enhances the efficiency and sensitivity of PCR-based diagnostic methods for WSSV, and 3) the use of DNA barcoding for identification of mislabeled shrimp products, authenticity testing and species traceability. These results highlight the importance of adopting genetic techniques as powerful tools for reviving and sustaining the shrimp culture industry in the country.