Physiological effect of colloidal carbon quantum dots on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (B. xylophilus) is a dangerous plant pest which could result in Pine Wild Disease (PWD). To investigate the physiological activity of B. xylophilus and utilize the fluorescent properties of quantum dots, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using glucose as precursor were synthesized through a hydrothermal reaction. The properties of the CQDs strongly depended on the reaction temperature and reaction time. The transcriptome analysis was implemented to study the molecular toxicology mechanism of CQDs on B. xylophilus. Based on the analysis results, it can be concluded that CQDs have the potential to stimulate the detoxification process and fatty acid degradation mechanism of B. xylophilus. Through observing the biodistribution of CQDs, lifespan, locomotion and egg-laying behavior of B. xylophilus, the intestine was the main target organ of the CQDs, and the CQDs could affect the locomotion and reproduction activities of B. xylophilus.