Effects of nutrients from bananas on maturation time of Drosophila melanogaster: preference of Drosophila melanogaster for bananas from different sources.

Authors

  • Tiffany Ho
  • Derek Rejto
  • Eva Siu
  • Sahil Sorathia

Abstract

The objective of our research was to investigate whether the addition of nutrients affects the maturation time and the substrate preference of Drosophila melanogaster larvae. The nutrient sources used in our research were bananas, either conventionally or organically grown. Two experiments were designed to conduct the study. In the development experiment, three treatments were used to determine maturation time: dextrose medium plus organically grown bananas, dextrose medium plus conventionally grown bananas and dextrose medium with no added bananas. In the choice experiment, three choices of medium were given to determine substrate preference: organic bananas, conventional bananas and dextrose medium.  Developmentally, the control showed a faster maturation time, however, this was not significant.  There was no maturation to adult flies in the medium with added organic banana.  This was possibly due to fungus growth inhibiting the larvae growth in the organic and conventional banana treatments. As well, there was no significant preference in substrate type because the apparatus failed to allow the larvae to make a distinct and definite choice. Overall, the addition of nutrients does not significantly affect Drosophila melanogaster larvae in terms of maturation time and preference of substrate type.

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Published

2014-02-20

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Articles