Can molecular genetics contribute to African aquaculture sustainability?
Durnham et al (2001) made an exhaustive review on the status of genetics in aquaculture for the new millennium and its would-be positive impact to aquaculture sustainability. In this review he mentioned the advances in fish breeding programmes in several countries using knowledge of breeding and inheritance (Mendelian principles) and the emerging science of molecular genetics as applied to enhancement programmes in fish and invertebrate species such as salmon, trout, carp, catfish, sea-bass, tilapia, oysters, prawns etc. The present study on the applications of DNA markers in tilapia genetics and stock management corroborated Dunham et al’s review. The applications of molecular-based knowledge in tilapia genetics and stock management have been confined to developed and some Asian developing countries. The number of molecular markers such as RFLPs and microsatellites as applied to tilapia domestication and strain evaluation has increased drastically over the last 10 years with recent st
