Molecular Diagnostic Biotechnology in Aquaculture

The invention of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique by Kary. B. Mullis has revolutionized the field of diagnostic molecular biotechnology. Its ability to detect pathogens at the molecular level has given it an unparalleled stature. Initially restricted to the laboratories now it has found wide application at the field level. This is evident from the present surge in references to the technique. With the plenitude of viral and bacterial epizootics plaguing shrimp aquaculture and remedies for the same being a distant possibility, the aquaculture sector as such is opting for newer strategies to keep itself sustainable. One such approach, which is gaining momentum, is to screen shrimp seeds prior to stocking and broodstocks prior to seed production. How far this approach will contribute, in striking a balance between loss and production has been successfully established in recent years in India. The scenario in the aquaculture sector has changed with the popularization of the PCR technique, whereby farmers are insisting on PCR tested seeds and hatcheries are not taking risk by using untested broodstocks. PCR, the repetitive bi-directional DNA synthesis via primer extension of a specific nucleic acid sequence, is simple in design and can be applied in seemingly endless ways. Because PCR is much more than just mixing reagents in a tube and running a machine, this book outlines the best ways to utilize the PCR technique for shrimp disease diagnosis, in particular the white spot syndrome virus (WS8V). Along with detailed protocols, it also deals extensively on the effective utilization of laboratory space 111 which PCR procedures are setup and how to avoid PCR contamination by applying a ‘self imposed technical auditing’ to ourselves. Further, this book dealt with other successfully developed and demonstrated molecular techniques viz. in-situ hybridization, probes and blot techniques, etc apart from electron microscopy and cryopreservation protocols. One would find this book a comprehensive write-up, packed with innovative information and advanced technical know hows, essential for undertaking aquaculture in the most modern manner.