IPB University Professor Offers Polyploidization Technology to Improve Quality and Quantity of Farmed Fish
Aquaculture is increasingly important in meeting global food needs. However, genetic management of farmed fish remains a challenge. Genetic engineering, particularly polyploidization technology, offers an innovative solution to improve the genetic quality of fish. This was conveyed by Prof Odang Carman, Professor of IPB University at the Pre Scientific Oration of Professor online, recently.
He explained that polyploidization in fish is an alternative breeding strategy that is practical and environmentally friendly. The genetic engineering involves manipulation of genetic material such as DNA and chromosomes. This is done to overcome the problem of physiological dysfunction due to differences in the cultivation environment and natural habitat.
“Polyploidization techniques, especially through heat shock treatment, have been proven effective in increasing the number of chromosome sets of fish. By producing triploid (3n) and tetraploid (4n) fish, this technique not only increases the growth rate of fish, but also ensures sterilization, thus reducing negative impacts on the ecosystem,” said Prof Odang.
He continued, the success of polyploidization depends on the timing, treatment method, and proper DNA analysis to determine the ploidy level. Collaboration with hybridization and sex control technology can produce superior fish fry, enabling the production of fish with faster growth and beneficial traits for the fishing industry.
“By utilizing genetic engineering technology, we can significantly increase the production of farmed fish. This is an important step to meet market demand while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem,” said the Professor of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK).
He explained that the development of aquaculture technology, especially in genetic engineering such as polyploidization, gynogenesis, androgenesis, and hybridization can open up great opportunities to improve the quality and quantity of farmed fish production.
“By utilizing this technology, fisheries industry players can produce fish with faster growth, favorable sterile traits, and superior genetic quality,” he said.
“The incorporation of these technologies, if done properly, will have the potential to produce better, more resilient, and sustainable fish seeds, so as to meet market demand while maintaining the balance of the fisheries ecosystem. Careful management and a scientific approach that continues to be developed will be the key to the success of aquaculture in the future,” he concluded. (Ns/Lp) (IAAS/SNI)
