Carbon dots in green agriculture: next-generation tool for photosynthesis enhancement and agricultural resilience

Abstract

To overcome the current environmental constraint in agriculture, innovative integration of nanomaterials has emerged as a promising strategy leading to the enhancement of crop productivity and resilience. Carbon dots (CDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanomaterials, are gaining attention for their unique properties like superior photostability, tunable photoluminescence, adjustable surface functionality, light conversion efficiency and biocompatibility. They are very small in size, typically less than 10 nm in diameter, and possess high aqueous solubility and negligible toxicity, which aid in efficient interaction with plants. The versatility and efficacy of CDs in sustainable agriculture make them feasible options for future agricultural practices. This review discusses the recent developments and discoveries in the mode and mechanism of action of CDs in plants, the specific influence of CDs on photosynthetic function, along with discussions on how carbon dots alleviate abiotic and biotic stresses. This article also aims to provide a comprehensive overview of carbon dots as a seed priming agent, the environmental friendliness of CDs, and challenges in using CDs in agriculture.