After three years of intensive research on the genetic heritage of the Pinctada margaritifera pearl oyster, doctoral candidate Pierre-Louis Stenger has unlocked the secrets behind Polynesian pearls’ dazzling color palette. His thesis, successfully defended at the Pacific Doctoral School, sheds groundbreaking scientific light on this iconic gem of French Polynesia.
Titled “Diversity and Chromatic Plasticity in the Pearl Oyster Pinctada margaritifera,” the defense took place on the Outumaoro campus before an engaged audience and a jury impressed by the study’s rigor. For over three hours, Stenger presented his findings, validating a research project now hailed as a major breakthrough for the pearl industry.
The newly minted PhD researcher meticulously analyzed the mechanisms behind pigment formation in pearl oyster shells, focusing on three key colors: red, yellow, and green. Using a combination of transcriptomic, genomic, and epigenomic approaches, he identified the key genes responsible for coloration and the environmental factors influencing their expression.
His work has uncovered valuable genetic markers for selecting oysters with superior aesthetic traits—a discovery that researchers say could eventually lead to more beautiful, uniform pearls without genetic modification.
One of the most striking findings concerns the dominance of the red phenotype, unique to Polynesian pearl oysters, making this chromatic diversity a globally unmatched genetic asset. Now better understood, this trait could become a major commercial advantage for pearl farmers.
Cédrik Lo, head of research programs at the Marine Resources Department, praised this scientific leap. He emphasized that these studies are part of a long-term strategy to enhance local pearl production—bridging fundamental science and commercial breeding, with support from private hatcheries.
Now a recognized expert, Pierre-Louis Stenger will contribute to three new studies on pearl oysters starting next year, continuing his quest to reshape the future of Polynesian pearl farming through science.
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