At the end of the 1980s, after two decades of aquaculture research in molluscs, Ifremer initiated its first genetic studies. These new studies quickly revealed the limits of knowledge in aquaculture, particularly in terms of controlling oyster reproduction. This presentation attempts to summarize the available information on genetics in aquaculture. In particular, breeding practices in the 1980s involved populations of broodstock, while genetics requires modern techniques where individuals, not just populations, can be identified. Controlling reproduction at the individual level in oysters raises new questions that existing protocols cannot address, especially in terms of controlling sex determination, individual maturity, spawning synchrony, chemical... |