Genetic analysis of survival in Penaeus japonicus exposed to white spot syndrome virus

Given its good flavor and rich nutrient content, the kuruma shrimp Penaeus japonicus is among the most important farmed shrimp species in many countries, and is the most expensive penaeid shrimp in China. However, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) poses a considerable threat to the shrimp industry, with outbreaks resulting in substantial economic losses. For the maintenance of sustainable shrimp aquaculture, it is thus necessary to enhance shrimp resistance to WSSV. In this study, kuruma shrimps were challenged with WSSV, and we assessed survival in terms of survival hours based genetic analyses. We accordingly established that survival hours is a complex quantitative trait with moderate heritability. Comparison between different models showed the feasibility of breeding kuruma shrimps with resistance to WSSV, and that it is better to select the survival hours than hazard risk. Meantime, several potential genetic markers were detected for survival hours after WSSV challenge, which are mainly associated with defense-related immune mechanisms and provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying virus resistance in kuruma shrimps. •Survival hours after WSSV challenge in P. japonicus has moderate heritability.•Several genetic markers relevant to WSSV resistance were detected in P. japonicus.•This work will provide a basis for enhancing the WSSV resistance of P. japonicus.