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Seed Priming with Carbon Dots Enhances Rice Growth and Resistance by Promoting Root Development and Recruiting
Yadong Li1,2, Chunfeng Liao1,2, Jingyi Qi1
1Hebei Key Laboratory of Close-to-Nature Restoration Technology of Wetlands, School of Eco-Environment, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, PR China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Carbon dots (CDs) enhance rice seedling growth and stress resistance by improving root development and beneficial soil microbes. This nanotechnology offers a sustainable method for plant growth and environmental stress mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Seed priming with nanomaterials regulates plant growth but its effects on root-microbe interactions are unclear.
- Carbon dots (CDs) are emerging nanomaterials with potential applications in agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of carbon dots (CDs) seed priming on rice growth, root development, and associated microbial communities.
- To evaluate the role of CD priming in enhancing plant resistance to environmental stresses.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and application of carbon dots (CDs) for rice seed priming.
- Analysis of rice seedling growth, photosynthesis, root architecture, and gene expression.
- Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Assessment of plant resistance to salt, 2,4-D, and 2,4-D-Na stresses.
Main Results:
- CD priming significantly improved rice seedling photosynthesis and overall growth.
- Enhanced root architecture, vitality, cell wall lignification, and ion transport (Ca2+, K+) were observed.
- Upregulation of aquaporin and stress-resistance genes was detected.
- CD priming modulated soil microbial communities, enriching beneficial nitrogen-transforming microbes and reducing pathogens.
- Primed rice seedlings exhibited significantly enhanced resistance to salt and herbicide stresses.
Conclusions:
- Carbon dots (CDs) priming is an effective strategy for promoting rice growth and enhancing stress tolerance.
- CDs positively influence root development and beneficial soil microbial communities.
- This study presents a sustainable nanotechnology approach for improving plant resilience in challenging environments.
