Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 162-171 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 162 Research Insight Open Access Genetic Basis and Breeding Strategies for Hybrid Kelp and Cultivated Microalgae Yi Lu, Liping Liu Tropical Marine Fisheries Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: liping.liu@hitar.org Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0018 Received: 29 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 08 Jun., 2024 Published: 23 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lu and Liu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lu Y., and Liu L.P., 2024, Genetic basis and breeding strategies for hybrid kelp and cultivated microalgae, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(3): 162-171 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0018) Abstract The study’s key discoveries include the identification of genetic traits that contribute to the heat resilience of kelp through intraspecific outbreeding, and the potential of hybridization to improve kelp traits such as growth and reproductive success under varying environmental conditions. Additionally, advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology have shown promise in optimizing microalgae for biotechnological applications, including enhanced biorefinery capabilities. The study also highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and implementing strategic breeding programs to address challenges in kelp cultivation. The findings underscore the potential of genetic improvement and hybridization in developing robust kelp and microalgae cultivars. These strategies can significantly contribute to sustainable mariculture and biotechnological applications, ensuring high productivity and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Keywords Hybrid kelp; Cultivated microalgae; Genetic improvement; Breeding strategies; Heat resilience; Synthetic biology; Biorefinery; Mariculture 1 Introduction Kelp and microalgae are pivotal components of marine ecosystems, serving as primary producers and forming the foundation of aquatic food webs. Kelps, large brown algae in the order Laminariales, are known for their role as ecosystem engineers, creating complex habitats that support a diverse array of marine life (Teagle et al., 2017; Weigel et al., 2022). They contribute significantly to nutrient cycling, energy capture, and provide biogenic coastal defense (Teagle et al., 2017). Microalgae, on the other hand, are microscopic algae that play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by producing a wide range of bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, which have applications in food and medicine (Sathasivam et al., 2017). Genetic improvement of aquatic organisms, including kelp and microalgae, is essential for enhancing their productivity, resilience, and economic value. Hybridization and selective breeding can lead to the development of strains with superior traits, such as increased growth rates, disease resistance, and higher nutritional content. For instance, interfamilial hybridization between different kelp species has been shown to produce hybrids with unique morphological and metabolic characteristics, which could be harnessed for commercial and ecological benefits (Murúa et al., 2020). Additionally, understanding the genetic basis of these traits can facilitate the development of targeted breeding strategies to optimize the performance of cultivated species. The primary objectives of this study are to explore the genetic basis of hybrid kelp and cultivated microalgae, and to develop effective breeding strategies for their improvement. The study investigates the genetic and metabolic characteristics of hybrid kelp species to identify key traits that can be enhanced through breeding. It also analyzes the genetic diversity and metabolic pathways of microalgae to pinpoint potential targets for genetic improvement. Furthermore, it hopes to develop breeding strategies that integrate genetic insights to produce high-yield, resilient, and nutritionally superior strains of kelp and microalgae.
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