Experimental hybridization and genetic identification of Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai and green abalone H-fulgens

The temperate-water Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai, has replaced the local subtropical species Haliotis diversicolor, as the main cultured abalone species in southern China in recent years. Although the ability to tolerate high temperature has increased for Pacific abalone, summer mortality still has a serious effect on cultivation success, as the temperature in southern China is significantly higher than the temperature in natural habitats. Hybridization has been demonstrated as an effective way to improve adaptability to particular environmental conditions. In this study, we introduced green abalone, Haliotis fulgens, from North America into China and successfully conducted hybridization trials with Pacific abalone. Fertilization rate for H. discus hannai female x H. fulgens male was at an acceptable level for commercial production. The hybrids exhibited hybrid vigor for growth and survival, as well as a higher temperature tolerance, showing great potential for application in the abalone aquaculture industry in southern China. Moreover, two-step PCR methods using three primers were developed, which can be used for quick genetic identification of green abalone, Pacific abalone and their reciprocal hybrids. Statement of relevance Summer mortality still has a serious effect on cultivation success of abalone farming in China. In this study, green abalone, H. fulgens were introduced and successfully conducted hybridization trials with Pacific abalone. The hybrids exhibited exciting hybrid vigor and adaptation to the higher temperature tolerance, which showed great potentials on application to the abalone aquaculture industry in southern China. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.