Red Emissive Carbon Dots Photosensitizers for Plant Protection: Highly Effective and Plant-Safe Photodynamic Inactivation of Botrytis cinerea

. Microscopy and biochemical assays revealed severe cell wall and membrane damage, with lipid peroxidation and leakage of intracellular contents. Transcriptomic analysis showed global reprogramming, with activation of ROS-detoxification pathways and suppression of growth- and virulence-related genes. In greenhouse tomato assays, PCDs-mediated photodynamic treatment afforded up to 93.2% disease control, comparable to carbendazim, without detectable effects on chlorophyll status or biomass. These results identify PCDs as a promising, plant-safe, and green alternative for managing gray mold.