Table 1. Summary of research priorities on the biology and culture of tilapias. A broken
line between the columns indicates scope for both near-tenn and sustained work on the
adjacent topic(s).
Near-term research priorities for both Priority research areas for sustained
public-funded institutions and the private work, which would benefit from institu-
sector. tional collaboration.
- Genetics
I
Screening of new species and hybrids 1
for freshwater and saltwater culture , I
i
Selection for fast growth, Vier I I
fecundity and later maturation I
Chemical communication in reproductive
behavior I I
I
Cryopreservation of gametes I I
I
Elucidation of sex determination I
mechanii I I
- Reproduction
-
Design of mass fry and fingerling
production systems
Behavioral studies relevant to
broodstock performance
Feeding behavior in culture systems
I
Va+biiity in reproductive performance
Suppression of gametogenesis by environ-
mental. behavioral or physiological
manipulation
Recruitment control by predators I I
- Growth and Nutrition
Digestive physiology in relation to
feeding practices in culture I
Nutritional requirements of young,
growing and mature fish
Incorporation of local materials in
formulation of supplementary feeds
- FacWies and Equipment
Feeding niche dynamics in polyculture
Metabolic pathways in relation to growth
and gametogenesis
- -- -- I
Development of integrated farming I I
system i
Pond and cage design I I
- -- -- I
- Environment
Pen, cage and pond effluent studies I - Fi Health
I
Diseases and pathology i
i
Acclimation and stress reactions in I I
culture systems!