Cryopreserved Germplasm Case Study: Oyster

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) holds significant ecological and economic value along the Gulf of Mexico coast. To support breeding programs and conserve genetic diversity, the development of a sperm repository has been explored. A notable study demonstrated a streamlined procedure for oyster sperm collection, processing, and cryopreservation, establishing a repository for future use in breeding initiatives.

The study's objectives included developing a data management plan for the sperm repository, streamlining the procedure for sample collection, processing, and cryopreservation, incorporating sperm quality analysis into the procedure, and archiving the cryopreserved samples for future use in the breeding program. A total of 102 male oysters from 17 collection sites along the Gulf of Mexico coast were included in the repository. Post-thaw motility ranged from 1% to 30%, and plasma membrane integrity ranged from 15.34% to 70.36%, serving as post-thaw quality parameters.

The streamlined procedure involved collecting sperm from male oysters, assessing fresh sperm quality, and processing the samples for cryopreservation. Cryopreserved samples were then archived in the repository for future use in the breeding program. The data management plan encompassed oyster phenotype, genotype, sperm production, fresh sperm quality, cryopreservation details, and post-thaw quality assessments.

This study demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a sperm repository for the Eastern oyster, providing a valuable resource for future breeding programs. The streamlined procedure and comprehensive data management plan can serve as a template for constructing oyster germplasm repositories, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of oyster genetic resources.