R-01-06 Interactions of Crassostrea virginica Hemocytes with the Putative Etiological Agent of Juvenile Oyster Disease (JOD)

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Katherine Boettcher
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology
187A Hitchner Hall
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.2822
boettche@maine.edu

Since 1988, an increasing number of hatchery-produced seed oysters raised in the Northeast have been killed by Juvenile Oyster Disease (JOD), a bacterium that reduces the oyster's capacity to filter food. In recent years, JOD-attributed losses have exceeded 90 percent of total production.

Boettcher will identify and evaluate the conditions that are optimal for the ability of C. virginica to defend itself against these bacteria. The results of this study may lead to the development of reagents for use in the targeted prevention or remedial measures.

2-year project, 2001-2003
Year 1: $61,615
Year 2: $64,749
Total: $126,364

 

Associated Publications

Maloy, A. P., B. Barber, and K. Boettcher, 2005, A PCR-based diagnostic assay for the detection of Roseovarius crassostreae in Crassostrea virginica affected by juvenile oyster disease (JOD), Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 67:155-162.

For a full list of publications associated with research projects, please visit our Journal Repints page.