Keywords
Mangroves, Plant Pathogens, Sustainability, Nanotechnology, Coastal Restoration
Abstract
Mangrove ecosystems along the Floridian coastline have exhibited a concerning decline in recent years, yet little is known about the fungal pathogens contributing to this trend. Through field surveys of over 300 Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove) trees across Florida’s east coast, we identified several fungal species, including Curvularia lunata, Pestalotiopsis microspora, and Neopestalotiopsis spp.. The pathogens are associated with leaf blight, dieback, and necrotic lesions symptoms in both field and nursery settings. To confirm the species isolated ITS1/ITS4 primers were utilized, marking the first documented occurrence of these pathogens in Floridian mangrove populations. Koch Postulate pathogenicity assays using under-bark inoculations demonstrated symptom development consistent with field observations, confirming the virulence of these fungal isolates.
To address these environmental pathogens sustainably, we developed MagSuN, a secondary nutrient-based nanoformulation composed of Sodium Polysulfide (NaPs) and Magnesium Hydroxide nanoparticles (MgSoL). MgSoL particles were hydrothermally optimized to enhance crystallinity, surface reactivity, and stability against Pestalotiopsis microspora. The thermally treated nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, FTIR, and XRD, confirming favorable morphological and physicochemical properties. Mycelium growth and poison food assays revealed up to 95% inhibition of fungal growth, with pathogen stress responses reducing growth by 87% compared to untreated controls. Due to the nature of the environment mangroves reside in it was imperative to evaluate the environmental safety of the treatment. Toxicity assays were conducted on model aquatic organisms, including Artemia salina and Selenastrum spp. Results indicated minimal toxicity to non-target species, suggesting MgSUN possess selective antimicrobial activity. Speciation and gravimetric analyses further elucidated the aggregation and reactivity behavior of MgSUN under variable environmental conditions. Finally, nursery-scale trials demonstrated that MgSUN-treated mangrove seedlings exhibited enhanced growth and pathogen resilience, validating the formulation’s efficacy in vivo. Collectively, this research provides the first integrated report of fungal pathogens impacting Florida’s mangroves and presents MagSuN as a sustainable, nano-enabled strategy for mitigating pathogen-driven decline. These findings establish a foundation for environmentally responsible nanotechnologies that promote coastal resilience and the long-term preservation of mangrove ecosystems.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair
Swadeshmukul, Santra
College
College of Medicine
Department
Chemistry
Thesis Discipline
Nanotechnology / Microbiology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Deinys, Melissa M., "Sustainable Management Of Pathogenic Fungal Threats In Mangrove Ecosystems: Feasibility Of MgSUN Nanoparticles" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 420.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/420
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Biotechnology Commons, Botany Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons, Forest Management Commons, Materials Chemistry Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Pathogenic Microbiology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Sustainability Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Rights Statement
