Use of microalgae for the control of luminous vibriosis in tropical shrimp aquaculture

Outbreaks of luminous vibriosis in commercial shrimp ponds have been the major cause in the decline of shrimp production in most tropical countries. the causative agent of this disease is vibrio harveyi,and is one of the many vibrio species that affect asian aquaculture. efforts to prevent the occurrence of luminous vibriosis in shrimp ponds are largely based on the application of antibiotics in the ponds or inclusion of these compounds in the diets of the shrimp. however,indiscriminate use of these antimicrobial compounds results in more virulent and drug-resistant strains of the pathogen. the search for alternative strategies to control luminous vibriosis in the culture facilities led to the development of the so-called green water technology. this technology is an innovative technique in which the shrimp stock is cultured in water,where microalgae such as chlorella sp.,and other green microalgae grow abundantly. when this species of phytoplankton has abundant growth in the pond,the water assumes a green colouration,hence the term green water. this paper discusses the advances on the use of this green water technology to inhibit luminous vibriosis in tropical shrimp aquaculture.