How the mantle location from which saibo is cut affects cultured Pinctada fucata martensii pearl quality

Nacre deposition varies across the shell’s anterior, middle, and posterior regions. This study explores how cutting saibo (grafting tissue) from distinct regions of the pallial mantle in Pinctada fucata martensii influences pearl quality. Pearls sourced from saibo cut in the anterior and posterior areas exhibit significantly higher quality with fewer blemishes and protuberances than those from the middle region for August ( p < 0.01), October ( p < 0.01), and December ( p < 0.05). Additionally, pearls from anterior and posterior saibo show lower irregular layer percentages in December (2.083% [anterior] and 2.509% [posterior]). Interference color values of pearls from posterior mantle saibo resemble those from the middle ( p > 0.05) but are significantly higher than anterior mantle saibo pearls ( p < 0.001). Yellowness index differs significantly among the saibo treatments ( p < 0.001), with the anterior treatment having the lowest value (59.922), followed by posterior (67.068) and middle treatment (74.442). Despite insignificant differences in pearl luster and total nacre thickness ( p > 0.05), pearls sourced from posterior mantle saibo demonstrate superior shape, fewer flaws, and better color. In conclusion, the saibo cutting location within the mantle significantly affects P. fucata martensii pearl quality. Opting for saibo from the posterior mantle minimizes blemishes, boosts the number of flawless pearls with enhanced color, and is thus recommended for pearl production.