Abstract
The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta , is one of the most commercially important cultured bivalves in China and Southeast Asia, while S. rivularis is its closer relatives discovered more than a decade ago. In order to obtain offspring with faster growth rate and stronger salt tolerance of S. constricta and S. rivularis , interspecific hybrids were produced, and the hybridity of the interspecific hybrids was confirmed by microsatellite markers. Microsatellite markers exhibit a high potential for transfer through cross-amplification in related species, and the transferability of 48 pairs of microsatellite marker primers from S. constricta were assessed in S. rivularis . Here, 24 universal microsatellite markers were successfully amplified in S. rivularis , of which 18 were polymorphic with the allele number from 2 to 5. The genetic diversity of two razor clams evaluated by 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers indicated that two species were both above the middle level, with a relatively higher genetic diversity, while S. constricta showed higher genetic diversity than S. rivularis according to the genetic parameters of Na , Ho , He and PIC . Furthermore, a total of two species-specific microsatellite markers were screened, which could be used for quick genetic identification of S. constricta , S. rivularis and their hybrids. The results suggest the induced interspecific hybrids are true hybrids between S. constricta and S. rivularis , which provide a basis for breeding, subsequent protection, and germplasm resources utilization of the razor clams.