What are the steps of insertion of nucleus into oyster?

Explanation

Following steps are taken for the insertion of nucleus.
a. Fitness of oyster for operation
The selected oysters for the insertion of nucleus should be healthy and strong enough to overcome the stress during operation.
b. Preparation of graft tissues
The piece of tissue which is inserted inside the mantle is called as 'GRAFT' tissue. The outer edges of these graft squares must be known because nacre secreting cells are found only on the outer surface of the mantle so it is essential to keep the outer surface in contact with the inserted nucleus.
c. Preparation of nucleus
Any small particle may function as nucleus to initiate the pearl formation but it is reported that calcareous nucleus is the best because the deposition of nacre was found to be more on calcarious nucleus.
d. Insertion of nucleus
For the insertion of nucleus, oysters are fixed in a desk clamp in the position of right valve facing upward. Mantle folds are smoothly touched to expose the foot and the main body mass, followed by an incision into the epithelium of the foot and a slender channel into the main mass one graft tissue which functions as a bed for the nucleus.
e. Post operation care
Nucleated oysters are placed into cages and suspended into sea water and attached with floating rafts to a depth of 2 to 3 metres for about 6 to 7 days to recover from the shocks due to operation. This period of 6 to 7 days is known as 'Recovery period'. About 3000 to 3600 nucleated oysters are kept in different cages suspended in sea water at 2 to 3 meters depth for 3 to 6 years and undisturbed except at the time of clearing and inspection.
iv. Harvesting of pearl Pearls are harvested in the month of December to February which may slightly vary according to climatic conditions. After the completion of 3 years of the insertion of nucleus, pearl oysters are harvested from the sea and the pearls are taken out from the shell.
v. Clearing of pearls After taking out the pearls from the oysters shell they are washed properly, cleared with the soap solution.