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Sunlight-sensitive carbon dots for plant immunity priming and pathogen defence

Summary

Scientists developed special tiny carbon particles that respond to sunlight by producing molecules that strengthen plant defenses against fungi. When sprayed on plants like tomato and tobacco, these particles trigger the plant’s natural immune system, reducing fungal diseases by 12-44% without harming the plant. At higher concentrations with continuous sunlight, the particles can directly kill fungal pathogens. This eco-friendly approach offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while maintaining crop yields.

Background

Global food production faces threats from environmental challenges and pathogenic attacks, with conventional strategies like fungicides and disease-resistant breeding limited by environmental contamination and pathogen resistance. This study explores engineered sunlight-sensitive and biodegradable carbon dots as a novel approach for sustainable plant protection.

Objective

To develop sunlight-sensitive carbon dots (CDs) capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and investigate their dual function in priming plant immune responses and providing broad-spectrum antifungal activity against fungal pathogens.

Results

CDs at 240 mg/L triggered ROS bursts and enhanced plant resistance to pathogens, reducing grey mould incidence by 44% in N. benthamiana and 12% in tomato, and late blight by 31%. At higher concentrations (480 mg/L) with light irradiation, CDs showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity with 66.5% inhibition for P. capsici, 88.3% for S. sclerotiorum, and 100% for B. cinerea. Transcriptomic analysis revealed CDs induced cell wall-mediated immunity pathways.

Conclusion

Sunlight-sensitive carbon dots represent a promising, eco-friendly strategy for sustainable crop protection by functioning as dual-purpose materials that both prime plant immunity and serve as broad-spectrum antifungal agents without compromising crop yields or photosynthetic efficiency.
  • Published in:Plant Biotechnology Journal,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40089980, DOI: 10.1111/pbi.70050
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