Induction of gynogenesis in stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus Pallas, 1771) and its verification using microsatellite markers

Normal egg fertilization was carried out in stellate sturgeon Acipenser stellatus sperm by 60-, 90- and 120-s ultraviolet irradiation, and a cold shock was carried out afterwards. The treatments included haploids, diploid gynogens, triploid and control groups. Fertilization, hatching and survival rate at the 60-s irradiation time were significantly greater than those in the 90-s and 120-s irradiation and control groups. Two pairs of microsatellite markers were used to find gynogenesis in comparison with the parental and offspring genome in one locus. The results showed all maternal genomes among gynogen offspring with no paternal genome. The markers also showed the maximum gynogenesis induction in the Gy60 treatment.