Silicon-coated carbon quantum dots composite nanomaterials mediate pest resistance activation in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).

Background: Plant resistance inducers based on nanomaterials (NMs) are a cutting-edge and promising field of interdisciplinary research, focused on developing environmentally and ecologically friendly alternatives for protecting crops. Studies have shown that NMs composed of silicon (SiO) and carbon quantum dots (CDs) can help plants better withstand various environmental and pest-related stresses.

Results: We synthesized and characterized SiO-coated CDs (SiO@CDs) NMs that were found to be absorbed by tobacco leaves.