Increasing the purpleness of beaded freshwater pearls

[jshepherd]

We are seeing a lot of deep colors come out of China, specifically with the new Edison-style, large beaded pearls.

A recent study in the journal Aquaculture dives into how scientists are using genomic selection (GS) to boost the purpleness of the inner shells in triangle sail mussels, aka Hyriopsis cumingii. It doesn't say anything about the Hs shell, so they may only be using the traditional Hc.

Researchers used a technique called genotype-by-sequencing to find genetic markers (SNPs) across two groups of mussels. They studied a reference group of 496 mussels and a candidate group of 268 mussels to identify the genes linked to shell color.

Several GS models were tested, and the BayesB model best predicted which mussels would have the most saturated shell color. They created a method using around 5,000 SNPs that allowed them to pick the mussels with the highest predicted genetic value for breeding.

In the offspring of these specially selected mussels, the number of those with deep purple shells increased significantly at two different test sites. This shows that GS is not only effective for this specific trait but could also be used to enhance other characteristics in various aquaculture species.

 

[SteveM]

It's great to get a peak behind the scenes to see the intensity of Chinese efforts to fortify and expand their domination of the pearl market! At least it's not TOP SECRET (I wonder if that's just scientific hubris).

 

[jshepherd]

So the hcApo protein absorbs and stores carotenoids, which are the pigments that give shells their color. So they are selectively breeding shells that exhibit higher gene expression activity.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Inner-shell-color-of-H-cumingii-The-purple-color-variant-is-shown-on-the-left_fig1_260023857

 

[jevont]

The increase in the purple shells is really significant. Potential to optimize several characteristics is also very intriguing.

Tho given the complexity and cost, I imagine it might not be feasible for a single farm operation to have the mean to conduct such rigorous broodstock selection with gs.

 

[CortezPearls]

This is one fascinating subject...and of course: we don't just have Genetics these days, but we also have Epigenetics.

Most "spat" (post-larvae) labs are State funded, in order to serve all farms: private & public, big & small. Thus, they can best serve their public by having highly skilled scientists and technicians...for a fraction of the cost involved in setting up your very own lab.

 

[pearlescence]

Small farms are able to buy shells already nucleated.

 

[jshepherd]

The increase in the purple shells is really significant. Potential to optimize several characteristics is also very intriguing.

Tho given the complexity and cost, I imagine it might not be feasible for a single farm operation to have the mean to conduct such rigorous broodstock selection with gs.

These are all government dollars~

 

[jevont]

The kind of support to dream of haha... But yeah it does make sense if it's "subsidized" by the government.

 

[Yens]

I'll share some photos here..

 

[CortezPearls]

I'll share some photos here..

How old are these organisms @Yens ?

 

[Yens]

How old are these organisms @Yens ?

I don't have exact (or definite) age. But from what I understand, 2+ yr yield better and stronger color.

 

[CortezPearls]

I don't have exact (or definite) age. But from what I understand, 2+ yr yield better and stronger color.

Thanks for the info!

 

[SteveM]

Is there any consideration that purple might be a passing fashion? Or perhaps we should assume that purpleness will be pursued to the point of market saturation (purpality?), as with any other commodity that enjoys current popularity.

 

[Yens]

Is there any consideration that purple might be a passing fashion? Or perhaps we should assume that purpleness will be pursued to the point of market saturation (purpality?), as with any other commodity that enjoys current popularity.

Commercial quality in purple may saturate the market. But high quality purple with metallic overtones are very rare in each harvest.
I personally believe this market is just getting started. As of right now, these colors below are all natural colors. Getting entire strands in uniform color is still close to impossible. If the Chinese are able to market these like Tahitians and make them unique, it would be a big marketing factor for FWP.

 

[SteveM]

Commercial quality in purple may saturate the market. But high quality purple with metallic overtones are very rare in each harvest.
I personally believe this market is just getting started. As of right now, these colors below are all natural colors. Getting entire strands in uniform color is still close to impossible. If the Chinese are able to market these like Tahitians and make them unique, it would be a big marketing factor for FWP.

Hats off to the dlligence of the Chinese FW industry. Given the commitment and the resources, there can be no doubt that the objectives will be achieved. Today's extreme rarity will continuously become tomorrow's standard, only to reveal a higher threshold to conquer.

With the accelerating environmental degradation of the atolls there is going to be a vacuum to fill, in the full color range.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Is there any consideration that purple might be a passing fashion? Or perhaps we should assume that purpleness will be pursued to the point of market saturation (purpality?), as with any other commodity that enjoys current popularity.

I'd suspect purple has the highest incidence of occurrence thus breeding for it offers a greater opportunity to select among the strongest genetic expressions.

 

[SteveM]

I'd suspect purple has the highest incidence

Thus the marketing opportunity, and the intensive R&D.

 

[pearlescence]

I'm still looking for one 11mm round red pearl for a special request.
(no lop nors)

 

[SteveM]

I'm still looking for one 11mm round red pearl for a special request.

Red (hóngsè) is the national color of China and is also a popular color in Chinese culture. It symbolizes luck, joy, and happiness, and is featured in the country's flag, lanterns, and traditional clothing.

With the scientific progress being discussed here, it may become the Chinese FW industry's patriotic duty to develop red pearls. Once the Purple Hyriopsis is perfected they could perhaps do a little gene splicing from a gold-lipped Pinctada species to get just the right mix to make red.

That should keep them busy…

 

[pearlescence]