Results of multiple implantation of nuclei inProduction of cultured pearls

Multiple imjriantation of shell-bead nuclei in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata enhances the rate of production of cultured pearls. From two to five pearls have been produced in individual oysters in experiments carried out at Tuticorin. The rate of retention of nuclei is comparable with single implantations. While the average production with reference to the number of oysters employed is 62.8% in single implantations, it is 180.6% in multiple implantations. Besides single pearls, clusters (twins and triplet) have been obtained. The growth of pe.arls is as good in muhiple-pearl production as in singte'pearl production.