Evaluation of genetic diversity and population genetic parameters of farmed turbot species (Scophtalmus maximus) from france, Turkey, and Korea

Abstract

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a European flounder species, characterized by the absence of scales on the epidermis and the presence of small protuberances. Its capacity to be cultured effectively in fish farms at high densities makes it appealing in the aquaculture industry specifically in the UK, France and Spain. In recent years, development of a new strain by managing genetic resources is being intensively studied in Korea. It is a necessity in aquaculture to check the genetic diversity of a certain species in order to propagate better performing generations of its species. Microsatellite refers to 2-4 nucleotide repeats throughout genome with highly diverse repeat numbers, allowing of which to be used as biological marker for population identification and evaluation of genetic diversity. Population genetic analysis was carried out through the basis of 36 alleles which are different among the groups, presented by eleven markers that could be used in differentiating the genetic platforms of farmed turbot populations from Korea, France, and Turkey. The results obtained can be used in developing markers that are beneficial in identifying superior traits which in turn can be helpful in securing genetic diversity. In conclusion, this study identified genetic differences between farmed turbots in France and Turkey against the S. Korea. Based on the results, it can be implied that the genetic pool is capable of being expanded, and thereby maintenance of genetic diversity and improvement of excellent traits would be possible. ? Published by Central Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE) Trabzon, Turkey