Fig. 8

Defense mechanism of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) against environmental stresses. A The effect of CNTs on the phenotype of Catharanthus plants grown in the presence of carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) at day 0, 7, and 15 of water-deficit stress [134]. B Long-term application of CBNs to saline soil reduced salt stress toxicity and increased Catharanthus growth and yield. CBNs were added to saline soil and had a favorable effect on flower production in Catharanthus. C After incubation, transmission electron microscopy images of spores with deionized (DI) water and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Microscopy images of spores treated with and without (control) MWCNTs, MWCNTs-COOH, MWCNTs-OH, and MWCNTs-NH₂. The MWCNTs around the spores and the magnified location are indicated by red arrows [242]. D Photographs of Podosphaera pannosa-infected rose leaves after exposure to 50 and 200 mg/L MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy images of rose leaves infected with P. pannosa after treatment with 50 and 200 mg/L MWCNTs [260]. E Foliar application of CNTs to combat tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and develop resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana [181]