Comparative analysis of Byssal thread production, mechanical properties, and composition in diploid and triploid Mytilus edulis

Osterheld, Kevin, Davidson, John, Comeau, Luc A., Hori, Tiago, Babarro, José M.F., Marcotte, Isabelle, Arnold, Alexandre A., Pellerin, Christian, Saint-Louis, Richard et Tremblay, Réjean ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2590-8915 (2026). Comparative analysis of Byssal thread production, mechanical properties, and composition in diploid and triploid Mytilus edulis. Aquaculture, 613 (2). (743469).

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Résumé

Mussel fall-off continues to pose a major challenge for suspension-culture farming, leading to substantial crop losses. Although studies on juvenile mussels (<30 mm) have indicated that triploids may exhibit enhanced byssal thread attachment and reduced fall-off, their performance in adult mussels remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated the production, mechanical strength, biochemical composition, and structural features of byssal threads in diploid and triploid mussels of commercial size (>50 mm). We also calculated metabolic and filtration rates, as well as scope for growth. Our results revealed that triploid mussels produced 25 % more byssal threads with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. Triploid mussels conditioned at 20 °C exhibited a 48 % higher clearance rate, a 57 % greater scope for growth, and a 40 % stronger valve (breaking strength) compared to diploids. These findings suggest that triploid mussels over 50 mm have superior attachment strength relative to wild mussels, primarily due to increased thread production.

Type de document :	Article
Validation par les pairs :	Oui
Mots-clés :	Moule ; Bysse ; Métal ; Potentiel de croissance ; VO2 / Mussel ; Byssus ; Metal ; Scope for growth ; VO2.
Départements et unités départementales :	Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER)
Date de dépôt :	31 mars 2026 13:30
Dernière modification :	31 mars 2026 13:35
URI :	https://semaphore.uqar.ca/id/eprint/3519