Heritability estimates of larval shell length in the Chilean blue mussel Mytilus chilensis, under different food densities

Heritability of larval growth rate in diferent food environments and genotype-food environment interaction (during larval growth) are estimated in Mytilus chilensis, based on a nested design, involving 24 full-sib families (8 males each mated to 3 separated females) grown under three different algal concentrations. The heritability estimates for larval shell length ranged between 0.2+/-0.1 and 0.9+/-0.3 and showed a decreased towards the low food treatment; but the values suggest that selection would be effective. However, since there is a significant genotype-food interaction, selection should be done in each environment in which the animals are expected to perform. The significant interaction term (p<0.001) associated with a significant genetic variability for larval growth suggest the presence of genes in the population whose expression depends upon local food conditions.