Abstract

Argopecten purpuratus is one of the most valuable molluscs in aquaculture activities in Chile. However, there are several problems for mass production of seeds under controlled condition. One of these is bacterial infection in early larval stages. In this study, breeders were analyzed as possible route for bacterial entrance to cultures. Bacteria associated with gametes were found, with predominance of genus Pseudomonas. Also the genera Vibrio, Chromobacterium, Flavobacterium and Moraxella were detected. In spawning induced under sterile condition, the transfer of bacteria from parents to early larval veliger stage was determined. Although bacterial concentration in gametes was low (0.24 CFUI Ovum), bacteria show a clear tendency to increase in number at the veliger stage. Among the transferred bacteria, the presence of Vibrio anguillarum- related (VAR) bacteria as potential pathogen for marine bivalves is remarkable.