<![CDATA[Purpose – This study aimed to develop a culture medium based on Mas banana (Musa acuminata) with the addition of fermented cassava (tapai singkong) or soybean flour as supplementary nutrient sources to support the optimal growth of mutant Drosophila melanogaster, particularly strains with lower reproductive rates such as Ebony, Vestigial, and White. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed an experimental design in which each culture medium was tested on three mutant types with three replications and compared to the wild type. The observed parameters included the number of male and female fruit flies after a 14-day incubation period. Data were analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA test. Findings – The results showed that the Mas banana medium supplemented with fermented cassava produced the highest number of fruit flies across all mutant types. While no significant differences were observed in the number of female flies across treatments, significant differences were found in the number of male flies in the Ebony and White mutants, particularly between fermented cassava and soybean flour treatments. The fermented cassava medium yielded the most consistent and highest population due to its sugar content and fermentative microorganisms, which increase the availability of energy and nutrients for larval development. Research implications/limitations – These findings imply that fermented cassava-based media can enhance larval development and improve the efficiency of maintaining mutant Drosophila melanogaster cultures in laboratory settings. However, the study is limited to specific mutant strains and controlled laboratory conditions, suggesting that further research is needed to validate its applicability across broader genetic variants and environmental conditions. Originality/value – The integration of Mas banana and fermented cassava offers a novel, cost-effective, and practical alternative for genetics practicum, bridging traditional fermentation knowledge with modern laboratory applications and contributing to the advancement of biology education.]]>
