Preliminary observations on inducing homozygous gynogenesis in northern pike (Esox lucius) using pressure shock [SHORT COMMUNICATION]

Abstract

We induced homozygous gynogenesis in Northern pike (Esox lucius L.). The eggs obtained from two females and inseminated with UV inactivated milt were subjected to a pressure shock. The shock (600 atm, 3 min duration) was applied 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 or 135 min after activation of gametes. Application of the pressure shock resulted in interruption of the first mitotic division and gynogenetic larvae were obtained. The best results (5.20 ± 0.7% of survival, expressed as average ± SD) were observed when the eggs from the first female (A) were subjected to a pressure shock 75 min after insemination. Shock applied 90 min after activation resulted in 3.51 ± 2.4% of gynogenetic individuals. Pressure treatments applied 105, 120 or 135 min were ineffective. The results demonstrate that pressure shock can be applied to induce homozygous development in Northern pike.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Marek J. Łuczyński, Instytut Rybactwa Śródlądowego, Zakład Akwakultury, ul. Oczapowskiego 10, 10-719 Olsztyn, tel./fax: +48 89 5241014,+48 89 5240505; e-mail: marekjl@infish.com.pl