- Volume 18, Issue 2, 1968

Confusion exists in taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Streptomyces (Actinomycetales) and related genera because of inadequate descriptions for the species or lack of uniformity in criteria and methods for their characterization. More than 40 collaborating laboratories representing 18 nations are joined in an international effort to assemble and redescribe authentic type strains or neotype strains for the named species in the genera Streptomyces and Streptoverticillium. Uniform descriptive criteria and standardized methods and media, developed under the supervision of the Subcommittee on Taxonomy of Actinomycetes, American Society for Microbiology and the Subcommittee on Taxonomy of Actinomycetes of the International Committee on Bacteriological Nomenclature, have been officially adopted for this purpose. The type strain for each species (identified only by code number) is studied under these standard procedures in cooperating laboratories in 3 different nations. Data returned by these collaborators, including photo micrographs and electron micrographs, were used to prepare the illustrated standardized emendations to descriptions for 100 Streptomyces (Actinomyces) or Streptoverticillium species included in this report. Emendations to descriptions for additional species will be included in reports to follow. Type specimens (strains) of the 100 species for which emended characterizations have been completed, are now deposited in the American Type Culture Collection and the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures for distribution to other culture collections of the world as reference cultures.