Work

Norfloxacin inhibited the growth, development and reproduction of Grapholita molesta by reducing the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in the guts of larva and ovaries of female moth

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Antibiotics have been used in the management of few bacterial plant diseases (such as fire blight) in orchards (such as apples, pears and peaches). Therefore, in the process of fruit production, it is necessary to consider the possible antibiotic residues and pollution. And the possible effects of antibiotics on other organisms in the orchard, such as insects. In this study, we chose Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), which is a worldwide agricultural pest of fruit trees, as the research object to study the effects of antibiotics on insects.Our results showed that the antibiotic norfloxacin can prolong larval development, reduce pupal weight, and shorten the adult developmental period of G. molesta breducing the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in the larval guts and adult ovaries, and it can also reduce egg production and egg hatchability in female adults by inhibiting ovarian development.Therefore, in the process of early control of bacterial diseases on fruit trees, appropriate type and dose of antibiotic treatments can not only control the disease, but also inhibit the growth, development, and reproduction of G. molesta and other pests of Tortricidae, which may be present in the branches, leaves, and shoots of the fruit trees. Our results provide a new research perspective on the use of antibiotics such as norfloxacin in orchards and pest control.

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118322