DynAlgue A new generation of programmes involving genetic association input to improve microalgae

The potential of microalgae in numerous industrial sectors has now been established. The strains exploited are almost entirely identical to wild species. Improving microalgae strains is a key issue for the commercial profitability of this type of production.

Two previous RNA projects (Shamash and Facteur 4) defined suitable tools and methodologies for obtaining improved strains of microalgae. However, the capacities and costs involved in the methods for phenotyping improved strains are currently hampering development of the domestication of microalgae.

The DynAlgue project is proposing a quantitative genetic approach. Initially this involves evaluating the natural genetic diversity of different strains of the aquaculture microalga Tisochrysis lutea. The process of bulk phenotyping and sequencing will then follow with the aim of accurately identifying the genetic markers associated with the phenotypes observed.