Cost–benefit analysis of two culture methods that influence pearl production from the black‐lip pearl oyster,Pinctada margaritifera

The black‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, used for round pearl production in Polynesia, is generally cultured using “ear‐hanging” where they are attached to a rope to form “chaplets.” In other countries, pearl oysters are cultured using panel (pocket) nets that are more expensive than chaplets but afford more protection to cultured oysters. Prior research has shown panel nets produce pearls of higher quality and value, potentially generating higher profits. This study used cost–benefit analysis to compare pearl production using chaplet‐based and panel net‐based culture methods. Whole farm data, including gross revenues and annual production costs, fixed and variable, were analyzed. Average production cost per pearl using panel net‐based culture was USD 22.47 and for chaplet‐based culture was USD 21.55. However, use of panel nets saved around 3,430 hr (USD 6,860) of labor a year, offsetting the greater capital investment. A chaplet‐based pearl farm generated USD 65,738 in annual profits compared to USD 88,774 for a panel net‐based farm. Positive cash flow was achieved 1 year earlier (Year 7) for the panel net‐based farm. This is the first economic analysis of different pearl culture methods for P. margaritifera and evidence of profitability will support further development of the black‐lip pearl industry in the Indo‐Pacific region.     

插片后珍珠蚌生长性状及其无核珍珠成珠率和大小

为了筛选优质的珍珠蚌插片组合,探究不同种类珍珠蚌相互插片后生长性状间的差异和相关性,以及各组合无核珍珠成珠率和大小的差异,利用三角帆蚌(S)、池蝶蚌(C)和褶纹冠蚌(Z)分别作为供片蚌和育珠蚌,获得9个育珠蚌组合,测量各育珠组合的体质量、壳长、壳高和壳宽,比较9个育珠蚌组合及3个未插片的三角帆蚌、池蝶蚌和褶纹冠蚌对照组在1年后生长性状的差异,对各生长性状相关性进行分析。测量每个育珠蚌所产无核珍珠的数量和大小,计算成珠率和圆度,分析不同组合之间无核珍珠的差异。结果显示,无核育珠手术影响珍珠蚌的生长性能,以三角帆蚌和池蝶蚌为育珠蚌的组合生长性状均优于对照组,S-S育珠组合在以三角帆蚌为育珠蚌组合内生长最优,S-C和C-C育珠组合在以池蝶蚌为育珠蚌组合中生长最优,而以褶纹冠蚌为育珠蚌的组合插片后生长性状指标均小于对照组。其中除了池蝶蚌同种插片组合(C-C育珠组合)外,其余各育珠组合壳长与体质量间相关系数均高于其他生长性状间相关系数,C-C育珠组合壳宽与体质量相关系数最大;三角帆蚌和池蝶蚌之间的插片组合（S-S、C-S、S-C和C-C育珠组合）及褶纹冠蚌同种插片组合（Z-Z育珠组合）成珠率较高(91.67%~100%)。S-S、S-C和C-C育珠组合所育珍珠较圆但珍珠大小在各育珠组合内处于中等。研究表明,无核育珠手术改变珍珠蚌的生长性能,不同育珠组合生长性能存在差异,S-S、S-C和C-C育珠组合插片后生长性能较好,成珠率高,珍珠较圆但珍珠大小在各育珠组合中处于中等,该结果为探索不同珍珠蚌生长性状差异和相关性及其所产无核珍珠成珠率、大小的比较提供重要依据。     

Does the freshwater pearl mussel,Margaritifera margaritifera L., face extinction in Northern Ireland?

1. Until recently the status of Margaritifera margaritifera L. in Northern Ireland was not well documented. This paper presents the results of field surveys conducted in 1990/'91 and in 1996 at over 200 sites covering all major river systems in Northern Ireland. 2.Margaritifera populations in Northern Ireland were recorded at just 20 sites mainly located in the west of the province. Formerly many rivers supported vast numbers of mussels but anecdotal evidence points to periods of major declines in mussel populations since the turn of the century. 3. The absence of mussels smaller than 30 mm in length at most sites suggests very little or no recruitment during the past decade. During the surveys, deteriorating water quality, habitat disturbance and pearl fishing were recorded and are the major causes of the decline of the freshwater pearl mussel in Northern Ireland. 4. Unless the above problems are alleviated in the very near future, M. margaritifera will probably become extinct in Northern Ireland. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Non‐spherical pearl layers in the Polynesian ‘black‐lipped’ Pinctada margaritifera: The non‐nacreous deposits compared to microstructure of the shell growing edge

Cultivated pearls frequently exhibit morphological irregularities making obvious that mineral deposition was irregularly distributed onto nucleus surface. Taking advantage of experimental cultivations with short durations (from 10 days to few months), these irregular deposits predating occurrence of the nacre were investigated in Polynesian pearls by biochemical characterizations and a series of physical methods. Diversity in the resulting data suggests that various in‐depth alterations of the biomineralization mechanism may have occurred during the grafting process, leading to diversity in the biochemical pathways to nacreous deposition. This allows a precise discussion of current views about pearl formation. The “reversed shell theory” is formally disproved through point to point comparison with development of the shell growing edge. Similarity of pearl formation with “regeneration” or “shell repair” is also discussed, emphasizing the differences between these concepts.     

Age‐dependence of cultured pearl grade and colour in the black‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera

Pinctada margaritifera is an economically important marine bivalve species for cultured pearl production in French Polynesian aquaculture. In order to evaluate the influence of donor oyster age on pearl quality traits, experiments were conducted over 6 years using both grafts and surgreffe operations. At harvest, six pearl quality traits were recorded and compared: surface defects, lustre, grade, darkness level and visual colour. Analysing the quality traits of pearls harvested in the initial graft process and those of pearls obtained from surgreffe experiments allowed a comparison of the influence of pearl sac cells originating from the initial mantle graft, which aged together with their recipient oysters. The results demonstrated a significant decrease between these successive grafts in lustre, grade (A‐B‐C), darkness level, and green colour – traits that are of major importance in the pearl market. The duplicated graft experiment allowed the comparison of donor oyster families at 2 and 5 years old, where a mantle graft was inserted into recipient oysters aged 2.5 years. The results showed the same tendencies to a lesser extent, with (i) an improved pearl grade, predominantly through a most important rate of 0 surface defect category, and (ii) a green/grey ratio in favour of the younger donor. A comparison between the graft‐surgreffe and the duplicated graft experiments also highlighted: (i) the indirect role played by the younger recipient oysters, which must be optimized for optimal pearl quality realization, and (ii) the complex interplay between the donor and recipient oysters.     

贝龄对马氏珠母贝植核贝生长、成活率和育珠性状的影响

以马氏珠母贝(Pinctada martensii)速长系F2为材料,分析了贝龄对植核贝生长、成活率和育珠性状影响。实验设2.0龄贝植核组(A)、2.0龄贝对照组(B),1.5龄贝植核组(C)和1.5龄贝对照组(D),按照常规技术进行插核手术与海区养殖,育珠期为450 d。在插核后第15、30、60、180、270和450天,比较各组的平均体质量和成活率差异;在插核后270 d和450 d,比较A和C组留核率、珍珠层厚度、优质珠率和珍珠产量的差异。结果表明,在插核后第15、30、60、180和270和450天,4个组的平均体质量和成活率均存在显著性差异(P<0.05),C和D组的成活率显著大于A和B组(P<0.05),C和D组的体质量日增长率显著大于A和B组(P<0.05)。在插核后第270天,A和C组的留核率、珍珠层厚度和珍珠产量均存在显著性差异(P<0.05),A和C组间优质珠率差异不显著(P>0.05);在插核后第450天,C组留核率、珍珠厚度、优质珠率和珍珠产量均显著大于A组(P<0.05)。结论认为,利用低龄贝进行插核育珠明显提高植核贝的留核率、成活率和珍珠层厚度,从而能够提高珍珠质量。本研究旨在为合理设计马氏珠母贝的养殖模式提供科学依据。     

合浦珠母贝全同胞家系贝壳珍珠质颜色分析

合浦珠母贝（Pinctada fucata）小片贝的珍珠质颜色直接影响育珠贝所产珍珠的颜色。每个合浦珠母贝的珍珠质颜色都有自己的颜色特征值,即三刺激值和颜色参数。试验选择16个合浦珠母贝全同胞家系,用CSE成像分析色度系统测量并比较各家系左壳内侧外缘珍珠质颜色参数Lab和三刺激值,以筛选适合做插核小片贝的家系。珍珠质的颜色参数明度（L）为98.586～105.234,其中F16家系的明度最大,F3家系的明度最小;a（红绿色品）为-0.967～-6.577,b（黄蓝色品）为5.915～11.237,F14家系色品最偏向于绿色（-a）,F16家系色品最偏向于黄色（b）。F3和F14家系贝壳外缘珍珠质的色差（ΔEab）最大（7.885）,肉眼能明显觉察。16个家系的合浦珠母贝都属于白色系列,其中离白光中心最近（a2＋b2最小）且个体颜色集中的F1家系最适合用作小片贝来选育培养。     

Does electrofishing harm freshwater pearl mussels?

1. Two experiments were carried out in a Scottish river to test the effects of electrofishing on endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera). 2. In the first experiment, two areas of mussel bed were marked out as treatment and control sites and the former was electrofished using standard equipment. The mussels were examined 10 min, 24 h and 35 days after treatment and their shell valve closure responses, burrowing capabilities and gravidities were recorded as signs of normal ‘functioning’. 3. In the second experiment, individual mussels were marked as treatments and controls and the former were electrofished. These mussels were examined as before. 4. No mortalities occurred and no significant differences in ‘functioning’ between treatments and controls were observed in either experiment. 5. Since no measurable treatment effect could be demonstrated, it appears that electrofishing did not adversely affect the short‐term survival of M. margaritifera. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Respiration rates of the Japanese pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata martensii, feeding on Pavlova lutheri and Chaetoceros gracilis

We examined the relationship between algal food (Chaetoceros gracilis and Pavlova lutheri) density and the respiration rate of Japanese pearl oysters, Pinctada fucata martensii. The respiration rate increased consistently with food density, independent of algal species. However, the respiration rate decreased at food densities >10⁷ µm³ mL^?1, suggesting inactivation of the digestion system by the high‐food density. Our results suggested that eutrophicated or turbid environments may be unfavourable to the growth of P. fucata martensii.     

Donor effect on cultured pearl nacre development and shell matrix gene expression in Pinctada margaritifera reared in different field sites

Understanding the respective roles played by donor and recipient pearl oysters in pearl quality determination in relation to the environment is a challenge for the pearl industry. In most Pinctada species, pearl size is mainly related to recipient oyster growth performance but also relies to some extent on the biomineralisation activity of the pearl sac, a tissue that originates from the donor oyster mantle. We examined donor effect on pearl size in response to culture in the lagoons on Arutua and Apataki atolls. Overall, nacre weight and thickness were greater in Arutua than in Apataki, but sensitivity to the environment differed between donors. Some donors were associated with significantly heavier and thicker nacre in Arutua (I group), while others had similar results at the two sites (NI group). On average, up to 20% of the pearl size could be attributed to the donor but, in group I, donor effect was responsible for up to 36% of nacre weight determination. Additionally, a real‐time PCR expression study of eight matrix protein genes related to biomineralisation in the pearl sac showed that MSI60, pearlin and pif177 were significantly and positively correlated with nacre weight and thickness, with the latter two genes explaining the larger pearl size observed in Arutua. Donor oysters in P. margaritifera therefore play a key role in pearl size improvement, related to the role of the shell matrix protein genes. Understanding such contributions could help in the design of genetic selection plans for specific and adapted donor oyster lines.     

Is pearl colour produced from Pinctada margaritifera predictable through shell phenotypes and rearing environments selections?

The black‐lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, is the most important farmed mollusc species in French Polynesia. Donor oyster selection among wild P. margaritifera individuals, chosen according to their inner shell colour, makes it possible to obtain the broadest range of cultured pearl colours of any species. This study demonstrates the relative influence of using black [B] or red [R] outer shell phenotypes, combined with green [G] or yellow [Y] inner shell phenotypes, on pearl darkness level, colour categories and lustre. A large scale grafting experiment was designed and carried out over five grow‐out locations, covering three archipelagos: Tuamotus, Society and Gambier. Results revealed that the [B + G] phenotypes may be used as donors to produce dark green pearl, which suit the demands of the Asian market; whereas, phenotypes incorporating [R] and/or [Y] phenotypes may be used to obtain multicolour pearls of medium/light darkness, which suit the demands of the European market. From an environmental point of view, the 1) [B] phenotype showed no significant variation for light and other pearl colour production, and 2) [Y] phenotype produced both the same rate of pearl darkness level and green colour pearls whatever the grow‐out location. A classification tree model was built to predict, according to shell phenotype and culture location, the colour and darkness level of harvested pearls. Lustre was shown to be more influenced by the environment than by phenotype. These results should be taken into account in pearl farm production management and in selective breeding programmes.     

优质珍珠快速育成技术试验报告

幼蚌实行强化培育,植珠工艺改为“三小”,调整嫁接季节和适时调节育珠蚌的吊养深度,可使优质珍珠培育周期缩短为二夏一冬,优质珍珠比率由原来的8％上升到20％以上。     

淡水珍珠蚌致病菌的分离与鉴定

通过珍珠蚌病原体分离、染色、培养、氧化酶试验、克氏双糖铁琼脂培养和葡萄糖微粒管试验及药敏实验卡鉴定,结果显示病蚌的鳃和斧足存在嗜水气单胞菌和温和气单胞菌,内脏巾寄生肠杆菌科敛病菌和G+球菌,鳃部寄生大量致病菌.     

测定珍珠粉总卟啉成分的荧光光谱法

珍珠是传统名贵中药,具有镇心安神、养阴熄风、清热解毒、明目去翳等功效。自八十年代以来,国内有多家单位进行了珍珠综合利用的研究,取得了一定的进展(门摩西,1989年)。实验研究证实珍珠粉能明显抑制小鼠自发活动,抑制家兔大脑皮层的活动,并显著改变脑内单胺类神经递质的含量,具有中枢抑制作用。此外,作者(1988年)观察到珍珠粉能明显延长家蚕和小鼠寿命,降低小鼠心肌和脑     

中国现代海水珍珠养殖发展史探源

通过整理中国第一个海水珍珠养殖场的历史资料,详细论述了中国第一批马氏珠母贝人工养殖珍珠的诞生和马氏珠母贝人工育苗实现突破的过程,以此文致敬为中国海水珍珠事业做出巨大贡献的行业前辈.     

Reproductive condition of the pearl oyster, Pinctada imbricata, Röding, in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia

In an investigation of the potential for pearl production in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, changes in the physical and reproductive condition of the pearl oyster, Pinctada imbricata, were monitored for over 2 years. Using wild oysters gathered from close to the southern extent of the species' range in Port Stephens, NSW, a series of macroscopic and histological observations were made. Reproductive activity in P. imbricata was greatest from late spring to early autumn with oysters in poor reproductive condition during winter. Peaks in reproductive indices occurred in November 1998, March 1999, December 1999 and April 2000. Four indices of physiological condition were used: shell growth, byssal attachment, mantle thickness and mucoprotien layer. With the exception of the thickness and extent of the mucoprotein layer, these indices either showed little variation or the variation that occurred was not related to seasonal or reproductive changes. Changes in the mucoprotein layer were correlated with water temperature and suggest that this layer is metabolized during periods of high demand such as during gonadogenesis. Collectors deployed at two sites in Port Stephens demonstrated that spatfall occurs largely in the months of December and January following the spring and early summer peaks in reproductive activity (November 1998 and December 1999). Spatfall was not observed following the autumnal peaks (March 1999 and April 2000) in reproductive activity. Overall, reproductive patterns in P. imbricata are poorly suited to spat supply in Port Stephens. Farmers require spat in early spring (September) to allow maximum use of the ‘growing’ season (September–May). Reproductively capable oysters are not available from the wild until September and quantity of natural spatfall is too variable and occurs too late in the season (December–January). As a result, oysters are being conditioned in the hatchery in July, spawned in August and spat are supplied to farmers in mid September.     

褶纹冠蚌珍珠囊发育的超微结构观察

本文报道了用透射电子显微镜对不同发育阶段褶纹冠蚌(Cristaria plicataLeach)珍珠囊的超微结构进行观察的结果。观察表明,珍珠囊上皮细胞在发育的各阶段都具有发达的微绒毛、基底迷路结构和胞间空间;线粒体、核糖核蛋白体十分丰富,高尔基体非常活跃。在发育的早期,上皮细胞及核都呈柱状,常见细胞器的自溶现象以及板层小体的形成;核糖核蛋白体大多呈游离解聚状态。在发育的晚期,上皮细胞呈立方形或扁平状,核的形状不规则;大量的、梅花状的多聚核糖核蛋白体形成。珍珠囊附近的结缔组织主要由成纤维细胞、类结缔组织钙细胞、肌纤维、胞间微纤维、无核细胞样结构和细胞碎片组成。     

马氏珠母贝术前处理的研究

实验结果表明:经术前处理后的插核贝休养期存活率为95 2%,育珠期存活率达85 5%,每贝只插1个核,休养期留核率为0 86,育珠期留核率达0 71。珍珠的质量明显提高,优质珍珠的生成率高达34 6%,比对照组高出27 5%。