Instruction Manual

Mold Inhibitor

(item #876165)

Instructions

Cooking medium: Mold inhibitors (ours is methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Tegosept

M) are used

in Drosophila culture media to reduce the growth of undesirable fungi that may contaminate

cultures and retard the development of the flies. It is important not to use more mold inhibitor

than necessary as it also inhibits the growth of yeast and flies.

Various published formulae call for concentrations of Tegosept

ranging from 0.07% to

0.2%. Although most references call for dissolving the mold inhibitor in alcohol, we have found

it simpler to add the mold inhibitor powder to boiling water.

Dissolve 15 g of agar and 1 to 2 g of mold inhibitor (item #876165) in 500 mL of boiling

water. Add 130 mL of sulfur-free molasses and again bring to boiling. Mix 100 g of dry yellow

cornmeal (fine grain) with 250 mL of cold water; pour this mixture into the boiling solution and

cook for a few minutes. While the medium is still thin enough to pour easily, pour it 2 to 3 cm

deep in the culture vessels. Sterilizing is not necessary.

Cooked Drosophila Media (five formula options)

Ingredient

Amount

Water (tap)

750 mL

500 mL

Tegosept

1 g

Agar

15 g

Molasses (sulfur-free)

130 mL

100 mL

30 mL

Cornmeal (yellow)

100 g

150 g

60 g

Cream of wheat

100 g

Oatmeal (not instant)

15 g

60 g

Brewer’s yeast

10 g

Banana pulp

500 mL

Carolina Biological Supply Company

800.334.5551 • www.carolina.com

CB740621304