Effect of single cell protein as a protein source in Drosophila culture

Abstract

The effects of biomass of Phanerochaete chrysosporium at various concentrations (1; 2.5; 5; 10; 25; 50; 75 and 100%) on the growth of Drosophila melanogaster have been investigated. Biomass was used as a protein source instead of corn flour in Standard Drosophila Medium(SDM). It was seen that it causes increments in both body size of larvae and the numbers of offsprings, especially at higher concentrations (50, 75 and 100%). At the application of 100% concentration, metamorphosis accelerated and was completed one day before the control. There were phenotipic abnormalities in both control (0.64%) and applications with low concentrations (0.02-0.19%), while they were not observed at the application of 100% concentration.