4 - Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture

4. Stem cell technology
5. Reproductive biotechnology
6. Nutritional biotechnology
7. Microbial biotechnology
8. Nanotechnology
Selective breeding of rohu (Labeo rohita) through combined selection approach
for growth and disease resistance against aeromoniasis is an important
programme of the Institute. Sixty two full sib families from 62 sires and 33 dams
of selected rohu were produced. At farm level Jayanti rohu showed advantages in
terms of reduction in stocking density, feed requirement, rearing period and
higher yield compared to normal rohu. Resistant line of rohu (against
aeromoniasis) showed 58O/0 higher survival compared to the susceptible line.
Brand name "Jayanti" has been registered.
Molecular taxonomy, generation of genetic databases, linkage map, QTL
identification and MAS are the focus areas under breed improvement through
biotechnogical approach. Linkage mapping of rohu and giant freshwater prawn is
progressing. So far 3 linkage groups of rohu have been obtained. Molecular
diagnostics for White Tail Disease (WTD) in freshwater prawn and herpes virus in
koi carp have been developed. An ambitious project on development of
transgenic ornamental fish is initiated. Being a non-food item, genetic
engineering in ornamental fish could invite less controversy. Further, value
addition is achieved. Cloning and sequencing of strong muscle-specific promoter
are progressing.
Embryonic Stem cell-like colonies were developed from embryonic cells of rohu.
Partial cloning and sequencing of Spermatogonial Stem cell markers have been
also carried out in rohu. Construction of testis-specific cDNA library in rohu is in
the final stage. Viteiiogenin is important in the reproductive physiology of fish;
the gene responsible for its expression was cloned and sequenced in rohu. Genes
for growth hormone and gonadotropin releasing hormone were also cloned and
sequenced. Spermatozoa from dead fish were cryopreserved and found viable;
this research has important implications in the conservation of fish species.
Full cDNA of Polyunsaturated Fatty acid (PUFA) synthesizing enzymes has been
cloned and sequenced. It has been established that source of cellulose digesting
enzyme in grass carp is both indigenous and microbial. Genetic relationship of 3
species of Bacillus has been delineated using 16s RFLP. Lactic acid bacteria were
found to be probiotic non-specific immunostimulatory in magur (Clarias
batrachus).
Heralding research endeavour in nano technology, scaffold materials, such as
collagen, chitosan, polylactic acid and polylactic glycolic acid and their suitability
for in vitro and in vivo are being screened.
Fisheries sector has been playing an important role in the Indian economy. While
the share of agriculture and allied activities in the GDP is constantly declining,