Triploid Grass Carp: Triploid Induction, Sterility, Reversion, and Certification

Nonnative grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella have been used in the United States to control aquatic plants for approximately 42 years and are widely dispersed across 45 states, with reproduction occurring in 7 Mississippi River basin states. To prevent grass carp establishment and spread, a functionally sterile version—triploid grass carp—was produced in the early 1980s. However, there is uncertainty today regarding sterility and the efforts associated with triploid grass carp production and distribution. We reviewed relevant literature to summarize biological issues of interest to fishery managers: cell division for sexual reproduction, the induction of triploidy, sterility, reversion from the triploidy to diploidy, and pertinent aspects of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's triploid grass carp certification program. Received December 13, 2010; accepted May 18, 2011