Biochemical and antioxidant responses of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae to streptomycin exposure

Abstract The extensive use of conventional insecticides for pest management has raised concerns due to their adverse effects on non‐target organisms, environmental persistence and health risks to mammals. Identifying alternative control agents with lower ecological impact has therefore become a priority. In this study, the ecotoxicological effects of streptomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic with low mammalian toxicity, were evaluated in larvae of Cydia pomonella , a major agricultural pest. Biochemical assays revealed significant increases in the activities of transferase enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) and metabolic enzymes (LDH, ALP, CK, AMYL) following streptomycin exposure, indicating cellular damage and disruption of energy metabolism. Moreover, non‐enzymatic antioxidant levels were significantly altered. Albumin and bilirubin‐related tetrapyrrole levels increased, whereas uric acid decreased. These findings demonstrate that streptomycin interferes with both metabolic and antioxidant defence systems in C. pomonella . While streptomycin shows potential as a chemical tool for codling moth control, its broader ecological consequences must be considered before large‐scale application.