- Volume 63, Issue Pt_4, 2013

A short rod-shaped Gram-stain-positive actinobacterium was isolated as an endophyte from the tissues of Jatropha curcas cv. KB27 and was investigated by means of a polyphasic taxonomic approach. An analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain S9-650T forms an individual line of descent and is related to certain members of the suborder Frankineae , order Actinomycetales (<95 % sequence similarity). Distance-matrix and neighbour-joining analyses set the branching point of the novel isolate between two clades, one being represented by members of the genera Frankia (family Frankiaceae ) and Acidothermus (family Acidothermaceae ) and the other by members of the genera Geodermatophilus , Blastococcus and Modestobacter (family Geodermatophilaceae ). The organism had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The acyl type was found to be N-glycolylated. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4) and the fatty acid profile was characterized by the predominance of iso-C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C17 : 1ω8c. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, phospholipids and aminolipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.2 mol%. The distinct phylogenetic position and the phenotypic markers that clearly separate the novel organism from all other members of the suborder Frankineae indicate that strain S9-650T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Jatrophihabitans endophyticus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is S9-650T ( = DSM 45627T = KACC 16232T).

A new strain of the genus Kribbella , PIP 118T, was isolated from the leaf of an Australian native apricot tree (Pittosporum angustifolium), or Gumbi Gumbi in the indigenous language. This strain is an aerobic actinobacterium consisting of hyphae that fragment into short to elongated rod-like elements. Phylogenetic evaluation based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this isolate as a member of the family Nocardioidaceae and most closely related to Kribbella antibiotica YIM 31530T (98.6 %) and Kribbella koreensis LM 161T (98.4 %). Chemotaxonomic data including cell wall components, major menaquinone and major fatty acids confirmed the affiliation of strain PIP 118T to the genus Kribbella . The results of the phylogenetic analysis, including physiological and biochemical studies in combination with DNA–DNA hybridization, allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain PIP 118T and members of the most closely related species with validly published names. The name proposed for the new species is Kribbella endophytica sp. nov. The type strain is PIP 118T ( = DSM 23718T = NRRL B-24812T).

A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile rod, designated strain SGM3-12T, was isolated from paddy soil in Suwon, Republic of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strain represented a novel member of the family Microbacteriaceae . The nearest phylogenetic neighbour was Leifsonia kribbensis MSL-13T (97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Strain SGM3-12T and Leifsonia kribbensis MSL-13T formed a distinct cluster within the family Microbacteriaceae . Strain SGM3-12T contained MK-12(H2) and MK-11(H2) as the predominant menaquinones with moderate amounts of MK-12 and MK-11; anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids (>10 % of total); and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and unidentified glycolipids as the polar lipids. The peptidoglycan type of the isolate was B1δ with l-Lys as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid. On the basis of these results, strain SGM3-12T represents a novel species within a new genus, for which the name Lysinimonas soli gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed (the type strain of the type species is SGM3-12T = KACC 13362T = NBRC 107106T). It is also proposed that Leifsonia kribbensis be transferred to this genus as Lysinimonas kribbensis comb. nov. (the type strain is MSL-13T = DSM 19272T = JCM 16015T = KACC 21108T = KCTC 19267T).

The isolation and characterization of a novel, rapidly growing, scotochromogenic mycobacterial species is reported. Eight independent strains were isolated from clinical specimens from six different countries of the world, two in Iran, two in Italy and one in each of following countries: Greece, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA. Interestingly, two of the strains were isolated from cerebrospinal fluid. The strains were characterized by rapid growth and presented orange-pigmented scotochromogenic colonies. DNA-based analysis revealed unique sequences in the four regions investigated: the 16S rRNA gene, the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer 1 and the genes encoding the 65 kDa heat-shock protein and the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase. The phylogenetic analysis placed the strains among the rapidly growing mycobacteria, being most closely related to Mycobacterium gilvum . The genotypic and phenotypic data both strongly supported the inclusion of the strains investigated here as members of a novel species within the genus Mycobacterium; the name Mycobacterium iranicum sp. nov. is proposed to indicate the isolation in Iran of the first recognized strains. The type strain is M05T ( = DSM 45541T = CCUG 62053T = JCM 17461T).

A Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod- or coccoid-shaped, strain, CD40127T, was isolated from a green biofilm covering the wall of the Domitilla Catacombs in Rome, Italy. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CD40127T belongs to the genus Nocardioides , closely related to Nocardioides luteus DSM 43366T and Nocardioides albus DSM 43109T with 98.86 % and 98.01 % similarity values, respectively. Strain CD40127T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values below 96.29 % with the rest of the species of the genus Nocardioides . The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.7 mol%. The predominant fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0 and the major menaquinone was MK-8(H4) in accordance with the phenotypes of other species of the genus Nocardioides . A polyphasic approach using physiological tests, fatty acid profiles, DNA base ratios and DNA–DNA hybridization showed that isolate CD40127T represents a novel species within the genus Nocardioides , for which the name Nocardioides albertanoniae is proposed. The type strain is CD40127T ( = DSM 25218T = CECT 8014T).

A bacterial strain, designated HOR6-4T, was isolated from the epidermal tissue of a root of a Phalaenopsis orchid. Strain HOR6-4T was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The cells were aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile coccoids. Phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed a clear affiliation with the family Dermacoccaceae . Strain HOR6-4T showed relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (below 95.9 %) to type strains of species with validly published names, showing the highest sequence similarities to the type strains of Flexivirga alba (95.8 %) and Yimella lutea (95.5 %). The DNA G+C content of strain HOR6-4T was 64.7 mol%. Strain HOR6-4T had anteiso-C17 : 0 (19.3 %), 10-methyl C18 : 0 (tuberculostearic acid; 13.5 %) and 10-methyl C17 : 0 (11.7 %) as the major fatty acids and contained MK-8(H4) and MK-8(H6) as the predominant quinones. Polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, three aminophospholipids, two phospholipids and an aminolipid. The peptidoglycan type was A4α, with an l-Lys–l-Thr–d-Glu interpeptide bridge with a glycine residue bound to the alpha-carboxyl group of d-Glu in position 2 of the peptide subunit. Mycolic acids were not present. On the basis of comparative analysis of phenotypic and phylogenetic traits, strain HOR6-4T is considered to represent a novel species in a new genus in the family Dermacoccaceae , for which the name Rudaeicoccus suwonensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Rudaeicoccus suwonensis is HOR6-4T ( = KACC 12637T  = DSM 19560T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain F22T, was isolated from grassland soil collected from the Ziwuling area on the Loess Plateau, China. The novel strain was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of members of the genus Streptomyces . Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain F22T belonged to the genus Streptomyces , being most closely related to Streptomyces resistomycificus NBRC 12814T (98.28 % sequence similarity), Streptomyces ciscaucasicus NBRC 12872T (98.14 %), Streptomyces chartreusis NBRC 12753T (98.14 %) and Streptomyces canus NRRL B-1989T (98.14 %). In DNA–DNA hybridizations and comparisons of morphological and phenotypic data, strain F22T could be distinguished from all of its closest phylogenetic relatives. Strain F22T exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus subtilis and Cylindrocarpon destructans. Based on the DNA–DNA hybridization data and morphological, phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain F22T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces ziwulingensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is F22T ( = CCNWFX 0001T = JCM 18081T = ACCC41875T).

Nine novel strains of halophilic and alkaliphilic lactic acid bacteria isolated from European soft and semi-hard cheeses by using a saline, alkaline medium (7 % NaCl, pH 9.5) were taxonomically characterized. The isolates were Gram-stain-positive, non-sporulating and non-motile. They lacked catalase and quinones. Under anaerobic cultivation conditions, lactate was produced from d-glucose with the production of formate, acetate and ethanol with a molar ratio of approximately 2 : 1 : 1. Under aerobic cultivation conditions, acetate and lactate were produced from d-glucose. The isolates were slightly halophilic, highly halotolerant and alkaliphilic. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth ranged between 2.0 % and 5.0 % (w/v), with a growth range of 0–1 % to 15–17.5 %. The optimum pH for growth ranged between 8.5 and 9.5, with a growth range of 7.0–7.5 to 9.5–10.0. Comparative sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that the isolates occupied a phylogenetic position within the genus Alkalibacterium , showing the highest sequence similarity (98.2 %) to Alkalibacterium kapii T22-1-2T. The isolates constituted a single genomic species with DNA–DNA hybridization values of 79–100 % among the isolates and <29 % between the isolates and other members of the genus Alkalibacterium , from which the isolates were different in motility and flagellation, growth responses to NaCl concentrations and pH, and profiles of sugar fermentation. The DNA G+C contents were between 36.0 and 37.6 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was type A4β, Orn-d-Asp. The major components of cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω9c. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and genetic distinctness, the isolates are classified as a novel species within the genus Alkalibacterium , for which the name Alkalibacterium gilvum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 3AD-1T ( = DSM 25751T = JCM 18271T).

A Gram-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated J1T was isolated from deep-sea mud collected from the South China Sea and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that J1T clustered with the type strains of Amphibacillus cookii , Amphibacillus sediminis and Amphibacillus jilinensis and exhibited a range of similarity of 93.9–97.0 % to members of the genus Amphibacillus . The DNA G+C content was 36.7 mol%. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed no quinones, and the cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid for strain J1T. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. Strain J1T was positive for catalase activity and negative for oxidase activity. On the basis of phylogenetic position and phenotypic properties, strain J1T represents a novel species of the genus Amphibacillus and the name Amphibacillus marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is J1T ( = CGMCC 1.10434T = JCM 17099T).

A novel Gram-positive, slightly halophilic bacterium, designated strain B48T, was isolated from soil around the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain B48T were non-motile rods and produced ellipsoidal endospores at a central or subterminal position in swollen sporangia. Strain B48T was a strictly aerobic bacterium, catalase- and oxidase-positive. The strain was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 0.5–10.0 % (w/v), with optimum growth occurring at 2.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 35 °C and pH 7.5–8.0, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain B48T was shown to belong to the genus Bacillus within the phylum Firmicutes and showed the closest phylogenetic similarity to the species Bacillus foraminis CV53T (97.4 %) and Bacillus purgationiresistens DS22T (96.9 %). The DNA G+C content of this new isolate was 40.1 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain B48T were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0, and its polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an aminophospholipid and two unknown phospholipids. The only quinone present was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. All these features confirm the placement of isolate B48T within the genus Bacillus . DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed a low level of relatedness between strain B48T and Bacillus foraminis IBRC-M 10625T (8.1 %). On the basis of polyphasic evidence from this study, a new species of the genus Bacillus , Bacillus persicus sp. nov., is proposed, with strain B48T ( = IBRC-M 10115T = DSM 25386T = CECT 8001T) as the type strain.

An anaerobic, moderately thermophilic, terminal-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain USBA AT, was isolated from a terrestrial hot spring located at an altitude of 2683 m in the Andean region of Colombia (04° 50′ 14.0″ N 75° 32′ 53.4″ W). Cells of strain USBA AT were Gram-stain-positive, straight to slightly curved rods (0.9×2.5 µm), that were arranged singly or in pairs, and were motile by means of flagella. Growth occurred at 37–55 °C and pH 6.0–8.0, with a doubling time of 2 h under the optimal conditions (50 °C and pH 7.0). Glucose fermentation in strain USBA AT required yeast extract or peptone (each at 0.2 %, w/v). The novel strain fermented sugars, amino acids, Casamino acids, propanol, propionate, starch and dextrin, but no growth was observed on galactose, lactose, xylose, histidine, serine, threonine, benzoate, butyrate, lactate, pyruvate, succinate, methanol, ethanol, glycerol, casein, gelatin or xylan. The end products of glucose fermentation were formate, acetate, ethanol and lactate. Strain USBA AT did not grow autotrophically (with CO2 as carbon source and H2 as electron donor) and did not reduce thiosulfate, sulfate, elemental sulfur, sulfite, vanadium (V) or Fe (III) citrate. Growth of strain USBA AT was inhibited by ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, penicillin and streptomycin (each at 10 µg ml−1). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 and the genomic DNA G+C content was 32.6 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain USBA AT belonged in the phylum Firmicutes and that its closest relative was Caloramator viterbiensis JW/MS-VS5T (95.0 % sequence similarity). A DNA–DNA relatedness value of only 30 % was recorded in hybridization experiments between strain USBA AT and Caloramator viterbiensis DSM 13723T. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence and the results of the DNA–DNA hybridization experiments, strain USBA AT represents a novel species of the genus Caloramator , for which the name Caloramator quimbayensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is USBA AT ( = CMPUJ U833T  = DSM 22093T).

Two lactic acid-producing, Gram-stain-positive rods were isolated from a microbial mat actively growing in the littoral zone of an Antarctic lake (Forlidas Pond) in the Pensacola mountains and studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolates were examined by phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, multilocus sequence analysis of pheS, rpoA and atpA, and biochemical and genotypic characteristics. One strain, designated LMG 26641, belonged to Carnobacterium alterfunditum and the other strain, designated LMG 26642T, could be assigned to a novel species, with Carnobacterium funditum DSM 5970T as its closest phylogenetic neighbour (99.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Carnobacterium iners sp. nov. could be distinguished biochemically from other members of the genus Carnobacterium by the lack of acid production from carbohydrates. DNA–DNA relatedness confirmed that strain LMG 26642T represented a novel species, for which we propose the name Carnobacterium iners sp. nov. (type strain is LMG 26642T  = CCUG 62000T).

A novel bacterium was isolated from a traditional fermented food, kimchi. The morphology, physiology, biochemical properties and 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain L133T were studied. Strain L133T was Gram-reaction-positive, catalase-negative and homofermentative, with rod-shaped cells that formed cream colonies. Cells grew in the presence of 0–5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1–2 %), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0) and at 15–37 °C (optimum, 25 °C). Comparative 16S rRNA gene and pheS sequence analysis of strain L133T indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Lactobacillus . The major fatty acids were identified as C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 0, and the cell wall contained peptidoglycan of the l-Lys–d-Asp type. DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain L133T and related species were below 11±0.4 %. The DNA G+C content of strain L133T was 35.7 mol%. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, as well as physiological and biochemical tests, identified genotypic and phenotypic differences between strain L133T and other species of the genus Lactobacillus . Based on these analyses, strain L133T is proposed to be a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus , named Lactobacillus kimchiensis. The type strain is L133T ( = KACC 15533T = JCM 17702T = DSM 24716T).

A Gram-positive, oxidase- and catalase-positive, strictly aerobic and motile bacterium, designated WS 4626T, was isolated from a medical practice. Spherical endospores were formed terminally in swollen rods. The genomic DNA G+C content was 37.1 mol%. Cells contained iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω10c, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 as the predominant cellular fatty acids and MK-7 and MK-6 as the major isoprenoid quinones. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, the cell-wall peptidoglycan was type A4α, l-Lys-d-Asp and the major cell-wall sugar was xylose. The closest phylogenetic relatives were Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus XDB9T (96.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Lysinibacillus odysseyi 34hs-1T (96.5 %). DNA–DNA relatedness between the isolate and L. odysseyi DSM 18869T was very low (6 %). On the basis of the data presented, strain WS 4626T represents a novel species of the genus Lysinibacillus , for which the name Lysinibacillus meyeri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WS 4626T ( = DSM 25057T = LMG 26643T).

An indigo-reducing facultatively alkaliphilic and halophilic strain, designated strain A21T, was isolated from a fermented Polygonum indigo (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) liquor sample aged for 4 days prepared in a laboratory. 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny suggested that strain A21T was a member of the genus Oceanobacillus with the closest relative being the type strain of Oceanobacillus chironomi (similarity: 96.0 %). The cells of the isolate stained Gram-positive and were facultatively anaerobic straight rods that were motile by peritrichous flagella. The strain grew between 18 and 48 °C with optimum growth at 39 °C. It grew in the pH range of 7–12. It hydrolysed casein, gelatin and Tween 20 but not Tweens 40, 60 and 80, starch or DNA. No isoprenoid quinone was detected and the DNA G+C content was 39.7 mol%. The whole-cell fatty acid profile mainly consisted of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments with O. chironomi revealed 13 % relatedness. Owing to the differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA–DNA relatedness data from reported Oceanobacillus species, the isolate merits classification as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Oceanobacillus indicireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A21T ( = JCM 17251T  = NCIMB 14685T). The description of the genus Oceanobacillus is also emended.

A novel anaerobic, heterotrophic bacterium, designated strain Zn2T, was isolated from the wastewater of a paper mill in Zhejiang, China. Cells were Gram-type-positive rods, 0.5–0.8 µm wide and 2–4 µm long, and were motile by a lateral flagellum. The ranges of temperature and pH for growth were 10–50 °C and pH 6.0–9.5. Optimal growth occurred at 35 °C and pH 7.3–7.5. The strain did not require NaCl for growth, but its inclusion in the medium improved growth (optimum concentration 6 %). Substrates utilized as sole carbon sources were peptone, tryptone, Casamino acids, d-xylose, salicin, glycerol, formate, acetate and propionate. The main products of carbohydrate fermentation were acetate, formate, propionate and lactate. Elemental sulfur, thiosulfate and Fe(III) were used as electron acceptors, but sulfate, sulfite, nitrate, nitrite and Mn(IV) were not. Growth was inhibited by the addition of 10 µg ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline or chloramphenicol ml−1. iso-C15 : 0, C14 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 1 cis9 and C18 : 1 cis9 were the major fatty acids. Strain Zn2T did not contain any detectable menaquinones or ubiquinones. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, two unknown phospholipids and four unknown glycolipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 37 mol%, as determined by HPLC. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain Zn2T was a member of family Clostridiaceae , and was most closely related to the type strains of Geosporobacter subterraneus , Thermotalea metallivorans and Caminicella sporogenes , showing 91.2, 90.3 and 91.1 % sequence similarity, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic properties, strain Zn2T is suggested to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Salimesophilobacter vulgaris gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Salimesophilobacter vulgaris is Zn2T ( = DSM 24770T  = JCM 17796T).

A strictly anaerobic Gram-stain-variable but positive by structure, non-spore-forming bacterium designated Lachnospiraceae bacterium ACC2 strain DSM 24645T was isolated from human subgingival dental plaque. Bacterial cells were 4–40 µm long non-motile rods, often swollen and forming curved filaments up to 200 µm. Cells contained intracellular, poorly crystalline, nanometre-sized iron- and sulfur-rich particles. The micro-organism was able to grow on yeast extract, trypticase peptone, milk, some sugars and organic acids. The major metabolic end-products of glucose fermentation were butyrate, lactate, isovalerate and acetate. The growth temperature and pH ranges were 30–42 °C and 4.9–7.5, respectively. Major fatty acids were C14 : 0, C14 : 0 DMA (dimethyl aldehyde), C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c DMA. The whole-cell hydrolysate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, indicating peptidoglycan type A1γ. The DNA G+C content was calculated to be 55.05 mol% from the whole-genome sequence and 55.3 mol% as determined by HPLC. There were no predicted genes responsible for biosynthesis of respiratory lipoquinones, mycolic acids and lipopolysaccharides. Genes associated with synthesis of teichoic and lipoteichoic acids, diaminopimelic acid, polar lipids and polyamines were present. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, strain DSM 24645T formed, together with several uncultured oral clones, a separate branch within the family Lachnospiraceae , with the highest sequence similarity to the type strain of Moryella indoligenes at 94.2 %. Based on distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, we suggest that strain DSM 24645T represents a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Stomatobaculum longum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Stomatobaculum longum is DSM 24645T ( = HM-480T; deposited in BEI Resources, an NIH collection managed by the ATCC).

Four previously unknown, Gram-negative, anaerobic coccal strains were isolated from the tongue biofilm of healthy human adults (ages 22–29 years). The isolates displayed all phenotypic characteristics of the genus Veillonella . Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA, dnaK and rpoB gene sequences indicated that the four strains were phylogenetically homogeneous and comprised a distinct novel lineage within the genus Veillonella . The production of major cellular fatty acids (C13 : 0 and C17 : 1ω8) was consistent with that of other members of the genus Veillonella . Based on these observations, strains B16T, A16, B4 and Y6 represent a novel species, for which the name Veillonella tobetsuensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain B16T ( = JCM 17976T = ATCC BAA-2400T).

A taxonomic study was conducted on two Gram-reaction-positive, catalase-negative, irregular short-rod-shaped or coccoid lactic acid bacteria, designated strains SG25T and SG23, that were isolated from grains of fermented Japanese rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data clearly showed that the strains belonged to the genus Weissella and were most closely related to Weissella soli LMG 20113T (with a sequence similarity of 96.9 % for each novel strain). The peptidoglycan of each strain contained the amino acids glutamic acid, lysine, serine and alanine in a molar ratio of 1.0 : 1.2 : 0.5 : 3.0, respectively. On the basis of the unusual phenotypic characteristics of the novel strains and the low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness recorded between each novel strain and Weissella soli JCM 12536T, strains SG25T and SG23 represent a single novel species in the genus Weissella , for which the name Weissella oryzae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG25T ( = JCM 18191T  = DSM 25784T).

The taxonomic status of 14 strains of members of the genus Acinetobacter isolated from floral nectar of wild Mediterranean insect-pollinated plants, which did not belong to any previously described species within this genus, was investigated following a polyphasic approach. Confirmation that these strains formed two separate lineages within the genus Acinetobacter was obtained from comparative analysis of the partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and the gene encoding the β-subunit of RNA polymerase (rpoB), DNA–DNA reassociation data, determination of the DNA G+C content and physiological tests. The names Acinetobacter nectaris sp. nov. and Acinetobacter boissieri sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of A. nectaris sp. nov. is SAP 763.2T ( = LMG 26958T = CECT 8127T) and that of A. boissieri sp. nov. is SAP 284.1T ( = LMG 26959T = CECT 8128T).

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming rod, designated NS12T, was isolated from macerated petioles of Rumex sp. after enrichment with oxalate. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain NS12T was phylogenetically related to the genera Azorhizobium and Xanthobacter in the class Alphaproteobacteria . Strain NS12T was most closely related to Azorhizobium doebereinerae BR 5401T and Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS 571T (98.3 and 97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Membership of the genus Xanthobacter was excluded by phenotypic characterization. The whole-cell fatty acid compositions of the isolate was typical of members of the genus Azorhizobium with C18 : 1ω7c, cyclo-C19 : 0ω8c, 11-methyl-C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 as the main components. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and physiological tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain NS12T from the two members of the genus Azorhizobium . Therefore it is concluded that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Azorhizobium , for which the name Azorhizobium oxalatiphilum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NS12T ( = DSM 18749T = CCM 7897T). The description of the genus Azorhizobium is also emended.

A Gram-staining-negative, non-endospore-forming, non-flagellated, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain LM2-5T, was isolated from activated sludge in a sequencing batch reactor used for the treatment of triphenylmethane dye effluent. The taxonomy of strain LM2-5T was studied by phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic methods. Strain LM2-5T was aerobic, heterotrophic and positive for oxidase but negative for catalase activity. It grew at 16–37 °C (optimum 25 °C) and at pH 5.0–8.5 (optimum between pH 6.5 and pH 7.0). NaCl was not obligatory for growth but was tolerated at concentrations up to 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The novel strain formed yellow colonies on trypticase soy agar. Cells of strain LM2-5T were rods that measured 0.3–0.5 µm in width and 3.0–5.0 µm in length. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. The genomic DNA G+C content was 66.7 mol%. In phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain LM2-5T clustered with members of the genus Dokdonella and appeared most closely related to Dokdonella koreensis DS-123T (96.4 % sequence similarity), Dokdonella fugitiva A3T (96.1 %), Dokdonella soli KIS28-6T (95.7 %) and Dokdonella ginsengisoli Gsoil 191T (95.7 %). On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain LM2-5T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Dokdonella , for which the name Dokdonella immobilis is proposed. The type strain is LM2-5T ( = CGMCC 1.7659T  = JCM 15763T).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming rod, designated DC-3T, was isolated from activated sludge of a wastewater treatment plant in China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain DC-3T belonged to the family Xanthomonadaceae and formed a lineage within the genus Dokdonella . Strain DC-3T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Dokdonella soli KIS28-6T (97.1 %) and Dokdonella fugitiva A3T (97.1 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.5 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the major fatty acids were iso-C17 : 1ω9c (31.6 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.6 %), iso-C16 : 0 (21.3 %), iso-C17 : 0 (13.1 %) and iso-C11 : 0 3-OH (6.5 %), which supported the affiliation of strain DC-3T with the genus Dokdonella . DNA–DNA relatedness between strain DC-3T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was <30 %. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain DC-3T from the recognized species of the genus Dokdonella . On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain DC-3T represents a novel species of the genus Dokdonella , for which the name Dokdonella kunshanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DC-3T ( = CCTCC AB 2011179T  = KACC 16511T). The description of the genus Dokdonella is also emended.

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, non-motile, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CNU001T, was isolated from seawater collected on the coast of Jeju Island, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The temperature, pH and NaCl ranges for growth were 10–30 °C, pH 6.0–10.0 and 2.0–5.0 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CNU001T belonged to the genus Erythrobacter in the family Erythrobacteraceae , with Erythrobacter longus DSM 6997T (96.6 % sequence similarity), Erythrobacter gaetbuli SW-161T (96.3 %), Erythrobacter vulgaris 022 2-10T (96.2 %), Erythrobacter nanhaisediminis T30T (96.1 %) and other members of the genus Erythrobacter (<96.0 %) identified as the novel strain’s closest relatives. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C17 : 1ω6c. The polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, one sphingoglycolipid, one unidentified aminolipid and six other unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (UQ-10) and the genomic DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 58.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain CNU001T represents a novel species within the genus Erythrobacter , for which the name Erythrobacter jejuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CNU001T ( = KCTC 23090T  = JCM 16677T).

A novel bacterium, designated strain Ruye-53T, was isolated from a freshwater pond used to rear tilapiine cichlid fish in Taiwan. The taxonomic position of the novel strain was determined using a polyphasic approach. Strain Ruye-53T was Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, cream–white coloured, rod-shaped, non-motile and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating. Growth occurred at 10–37 °C (optimum between 20 and 25 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum between pH 8.0 and pH 9.0) and with 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ruye-53T belonged to the genus Gemmobacter and that its most closely related neighbour was Gemmobacter aquatilis DSM 3857T (97.6 % sequence similarity). The novel strain’s predominant fatty acid was C18 : 1ω7c, its major respiratory quinone was Q-10 and its genomic DNA G+C content was 61.2 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, one uncharacterized aminolipid and four uncharacterized phospholipids. The DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain Ruye-53T and Gemmobacter aquatilis DSM 3857T was about 45.5 % (48.2±0.4 % in the reciprocal experiment). On the basis of the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain Ruye-53T represents a novel species in the genus Gemmobacter , for which the name Gemmobacter tilapiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ruye-53T ( = BCRC 80261T  = KCTC 23310T).

A Gram-staining-negative, pale-pink-pigmented, non-motile, obligately aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain W37T, was isolated from soil and subjected to a taxonomic investigation using a polyphasic approach. The strain grew at 1–30 °C, oxidized thiosulfate and accumulated polyhydroxyalkanoates. Photosynthetic pigments were represented by bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain W37T was most closely related to members of the genera Roseococcus and Rubritepida (with sequence similarities of <92.8 %) but formed a distinct lineage in the family Acetobacteraceae . The polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, three unidentified aminolipids and one other unidentified lipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The DNA G+C content of strain W37T was 68.2 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain W37T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Acetobacteraceae , for which the name Humitalea rosea gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is W37T ( = CIP 110261T = LMG 26243T).

A Gram-reaction-negative, motile, non-violet-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated E1T, was isolated from Arctic lake sediment. Growth occurred at 4 °C–28 °C (optimum, 18 °C), at pH 4–11(optimum, 9–10) and in the presence of 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl. The taxonomic position of E1T was analysed using a polyphasic approach. Strain E1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 98.1 % with respect to the type strain of Iodobacter fluviatilis , but no more than 93 % with the type strains of other recognized species. A further DNA–DNA hybridization experiment was conducted, which demonstrated unambiguously that strain E1T was distinct from I. fluviatilis ATCC 33051T (51.3 % relatedness). The DNA G+C content of strain E1T was 52.3 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data [Q-8 as the monospecific respiratory quinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 56.1 %) and C16 : 0 (18.8 %) as the major cellular fatty acids] supported the affiliation of strain E1T to the genus Iodobacter . However, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain E1T from I. fluviatilis ATCC 33051T. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties, strain E1T represents a novel species of genus Iodobacter, for which the name Iodobacter limnosediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is E1T ( = CCTCC AB 2010224T = NRRL B-59456T).

A novel, Gram-staining-negative, non-pigmented, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, extremely halophilic bacterium, designated strain IA16T, was isolated from the mud of the hypersaline Lake Aran-Bidgol, in Iran. Cells of strain IA16T were not motile. Growth occurred with 2.5–5.2 M NaCl (optimum 3.4 M), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and at 30–50 °C (optimum 40 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain IA16T belonged in the family Rhodospirillaceae and that its closest relatives were Rhodovibrio sodomensis DSM 9895T (91.6 % sequence similarity), Rhodovibrio salinarum NCIMB 2243T (91.2 %), Pelagibius litoralis CL-UU02T (88.9 %) and Fodinicurvata sediminis YIM D82T (88.7 %). The novel strain’s major cellular fatty acids were C19 : 0 cyclo ω7c and C18 : 0 and its polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified phospholipids, three unidentified aminolipids and two other unidentified lipids. The cells of strain IA16T contained the ubiquinone Q-10. The G+C content of the novel strain’s genomic DNA was 67.0 mol%. The physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic differences between strain IA16T and other previously described taxa indicate that the strain represents a novel species in a new genus within the family Rhodospirillaceae , for which the name Limimonas halophila gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Limimonas halophila is IA16T ( = IBRC-M 10018T  = DSM 25584T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, heterotrophic and salt-tolerant bacterium, designated strain LL-001T, was isolated from a deep subseafloor sediment in Japanese waters. Cells were non-motile rods and colonies were smooth, convex, circular and vermilion. The conditions for growth were 15–35 °C, pH 5.5–7.5 and 1–8 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain LL-001T belonged to the genus Loktanella within the family Rhodobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria . 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain LL-001T and members of the genus Loktanella was 94.5–98.5 %; the highest sequence similarity was with Loktanella hongkongensis UST950701-009PT. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain LL-001T and L. hongkongensis UST950701-009PT was 41.5–43.6 %. The DNA G+C content of strain LL-001T was 69.3 mol%. On the basis of biochemical features and 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison, strain LL-001T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Loktanella , for which the name Loktanella cinnabarina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LL-001T ( = JCM 18161T = CECT 8072T). The description of the genus Loktanella is also emended.

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium designated strain KMM 9005T was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the Sea of Japan seashore. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain KMM 9005T belonged to the genus Luteimonas and was most closely related to Luteimonas cucumeris KCTC 23627T (96.5 % sequence similarity) and Luteimonas aquatica LMG 24212T (96.1 % sequence similarity). Strain KMM 9005T was characterized by the presence of thin fimbriae, the major ubiquinone Q-8, by the predominance of iso-C17 : 1 followed by iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 in its fatty acid profile, weak hydrolytic capacity and the inability to assimilate most organic substrates. Based on these distinctive phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain KMM 9005T represents a novel species of the genus Luteimonas , for which the name Luteimonas vadosa sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 9005T ( = NRIC 0881T = JCM 18392T).

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile bacterium, strain Y1243-1T, was isolated from an ice core drilled from Yuzhufeng Glacier, Tibetan Plateau, China. Cells had polar flagella. The novel strain shared 94.7–97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of species of the genus Massilia . The novel isolate is thus classified in the genus Massilia . The major fatty acids of strain Y1243-1T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) (43.98 %), C16 : 0 (27.86 %), C10 : 0 3-OH (7.10 %), C18 : 0 (6.95 %) and C18 : 1ω7c (5.01 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content of strain Y1243-1T was 65.7 mol% (T m). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. A number of phenotypic characteristics distinguished the novel isolate from the type strains of recognized Massilia species. Furthermore, in DNA–DNA hybridization tests, strain Y1243-1T shared 45 % relatedness with its closest phylogenetic relative, Massilia consociata CCUG 58010T. From the genotypic and phenotypic data, it is evident that strain Y1243-1T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia , for which the name Massilia yuzhufengensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y1243-1T ( = KACC 16569T = CGMCC 1.12041T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, acid-tolerant rod, designated strain DKE6T, was isolated from an acidic biofilm (pH 2.5) harvested in the pyrite mine Drei Kronen und Ehrt in Germany. The isolate grew optimally at pH 5.5, between 25 and 30 °C and only with casein as the carbon and energy source; although a variety of sugars were tested as growth substrates, none supported growth of the isolate. During casein consumption, strain DKE6T produced ammonium, which led to an alkalinization of the medium. This is a possible strategy to raise the pH in the direct vicinity of the cell and hence modulate the pH towards the growth optimum. The predominant fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C11 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. The DNA G+C content was 66.6 %. Strain DKE6T was not able to oxidize iron or thiosulfate. Iron reduction was detected. The isolate showed 93.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the most closely related cultivable strain, Dokdonella koreensis DS-123T, but <93.2 % sequence similarity with other type strains of closely related type species of the Gammaproteobacteria . On the basis of physiological and biochemical data, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the class Gammaproteobacteria , for which we propose the name Metallibacterium scheffleri gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is DKE6T ( = DSM 24874T = JCM 17596T).

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, chemoheterotrophic and strictly aerobic bacteria, strains GY2T and SPO729T, were isolated from a tidal flat at Gwangyang Bay in Korea and a marine sponge sample from the Pacific Ocean, respectively. The two strains were halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and non-motile rods. Optimum temperature and pH for growth of both strains were observed to be 35 °C and pH 7.0–7.5, but optimum salinity for strain SPO729T [2–3 % (w/v)] was slightly higher than that for strain GY2T (1–2 %). The major cellular fatty acids of both strains were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c, C18 : 1ω7c, iso-C11 : 0 and iso-C11 : 0 3-OH. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains GY2T and SPO729T were 55.1 and 57.9 mol%, respectively, and ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was detected as the sole respiratory quinone from the two strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains GY2T and SPO729T formed tight phyletic lineages with members of the genus Microbulbifer . Strain GY2T was closely related to Microbulbifer okinawensis ABABA23T (98.2 %), strain SPO729T (98.0 %) and Microbulbifer donghaiensis CN85T (97.0 %); strain SPO729T was closely related to M. okinawensis ABABA23T (98.3 %) and M. donghaiensis CN85T (98.2 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain GY2T with M. okinawensis ABABA23T, strain SPO729T and M. donghaiensis CN85T were 40.0±2.1 %, 13.1±3.9 % and 16.2±5.8 %, respectively, whereas those of strain SPO729T with M. okinawensis ABABA23T and M. donghaiensis CN85T were 48.0±4.0 % and 34.6±9.3 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, it is concluded that the two strains GY2T and SPO729T represent two novel species of the genus Microbulbifer , for which the names Microbulbifer gwangyangensis sp. nov. and Microbulbifer pacificus are proposed; the type strains are GY2T ( = KACC 16189T = JCM 17800T) and SPO729T ( = KCCM 42667T = JCM 14507T), respectively.

A polyphasic analysis was undertaken of seven independent isolates of Gram-negative cocci collected from pathological clinical samples from New York, Louisiana, Florida and Illinois and healthy subgingival plaque from a patient in Virginia, USA. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity among these isolates was 99.7–100 %, and the closest species with a validly published name was Neisseria lactamica (96.9 % similarity to the type strain). DNA–DNA hybridization confirmed that these isolates are of the same species and are distinct from their nearest phylogenetic neighbour, N. lactamica . Phylogenetic analysis of 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel species belongs in the genus Neisseria . The predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C18 : 1ω7c. The cellular fatty acid profile, together with other phenotypic characters, further supports the inclusion of the novel species in the genus Neisseria . The name Neisseria oralis sp. nov. (type strain 6332T  = DSM 25276T  = LMG 26725T) is proposed.

Two strains of Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, coccus-shaped bacteria, designated NB88T and LNB004, were isolated from activated sludge in the Mae-san sewage treatment plant in South Korea. They were characterized in a polyphasic taxonomic study based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic approaches. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strains NB88T and LNB004 represented a novel subline within the genus Paracoccus in the family Rhodobacteraceae . According to 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strains NB88T and LNB004 were indistinguishable and showed 94.5–97.6 % similarity to the type strains of other Paracoccus species. Strain NB88T exhibited relatively high levels of DNA hybridization (84±3.5 %) with LNB004 and low hybridization values (<40 %) with type strains of other Paracoccus species. Both strains showed chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Paracoccus , with Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid, and both strains accumulated poly-β-hydroxybutyrate granules. The DNA G+C contents of strains NB88T and LNB004 were 66.4 and 65.1 mol%, respectively. The polar lipid profiles of strains NB88T and LNB004 included major amounts of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and an unknown aminolipid. The taxonomic position of strains NB88T and LNB004 was clarified by the low level of DNA–DNA hybridization with closely related strains and the strains could be distinguished from other recognized species by using biochemical tests and molecular genetic analysis. On the basis of their phenotypic and genotypic properties and their phylogenetic distinctiveness, strains NB88T and LNB004 should be classified in a novel species of the genus Paracoccus , for which the name Paracoccus limosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NB88T ( = KEMC 5401-184T  = JCM 17370T); strain LNB004 ( = KEMC 5401-001) is a reference strain.

A myxobacterial strain, designated SYR-2T, was obtained from a mud sample from an estuarine marsh alongside the Yoshino River, Shikoku, Japan. It had rod-shaped vegetative cells and formed bacteriolytic enlarging colonies or so-called ‘swarms’ in the agar media. Fruiting-body-like globular to polyhedral cell aggregates and myxospore-like spherical to ellipsoidal cells within them were observed. Those features coincided with the general characteristics of myxobacteria. The strain was mesophilic and strictly aerobic. Growth of SYR-2T was observed at 18–40 °C (optimum, 30–35 °C), pH 5.5–8.3 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5) and with 0.0–2.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.2–1.0 %). Both Mg2+ and Ca2+ were essential cations for the growth. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (43.8 %), iso-C17 : 0 (22.4 %) and iso-C16 : 0 (9.6 %). A C20 : 4 fatty acid [arachidonic acid (4.3 %)], iso-C19 : 0 (1.5 %) and anteiso-acids [ai-C15 : 0 (0.5 %), ai-C17 : 0 (0.3 %)] were also detected. The G+C content of the DNA was 69.7 mol%. The strain contained menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major respiratory quinone. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SYR-2T belonged to the suborder Nannocystineae , order Myxococcales in the class Deltaproteobacteria , and the strain was most closely related to two type strains of marine myxobacteria, Enhygromyxa salina SHK-1T and Plesiocystis pacifica SIR-1T, with 96.5 % and 96.0 % similarities, respectively. These characteristics determined in this polyphasic study suggested that strain SYR-2T represents a novel species in a new genus of myxobacteria. The name Pseudenhygromyxa salsuginis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate this isolate, and the type strain of Pseudenhygromyxa salsuginis is SYR-2T ( = NBRC 104351T = DSM 21377T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated WT-MW11T, was isolated from wood falls on the coast of Wando, an island of South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain WT-MW11T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 25 °C and in the presence of 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Bacteriochlorophyll a was not produced. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain WT-MW11T clustered with Pseudorhodobacter ferrugineus IAM 12616T and Pseudorhodobacter aquimaris HDW-19T, with which it exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.9 and 95.5 %, respectively. Strain WT-MW11T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The polar lipid profile of strain WT-MW11T was similar to those of P. ferrugineus JCM 20687T and P. aquimaris HDW-19T. The DNA G+C content of strain WT-MW11T was 61.6 mol% and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness value with P. ferrugineus JCM 20687T was 12.3 %. The phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness and differential phenotypic properties revealed that strain WT-MW11T was distinguishable from the two recognized species of the genus Pseudorhodobacter . On the basis of the data presented, strain WT-MW11T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pseudorhodobacter , for which the name Pseudorhodobacter wandonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WT-MW11T ( = KCTC 23672T = CCUG 61506T). The description of the genus Pseudorhodobacter is emended.

A bacterial strain designated Ruye-90T was isolated from a freshwater tilapiine cichlid fish culture pond in Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain Ruye-90T was Gram-negative, aerobic, yellow-coloured, rod-shaped, and motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Growth occurred at 4–30 °C (optimum, 20–30 °C), at pH 7.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0–9.0) and with 0–2 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ruye-90T belonged to the genus Rheinheimera and its most closely related neighbour was Rheinheimera tangshanensis JA3-B52T with sequence similarity of 97.5 %. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 41.3 %), C16 : 0 (19.3 %), C18 : 1ω7c (8.4 %) and C12 : 0 3-OH (7.0 %). The major respiratory quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 49.0 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, aminolipid and two uncharacterized phospholipids. The DNA–DNA relatedness of strain Ruye-90T with respect to recognized members of the genus Rheinheimera was less than 70 %. On the basis of the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain Ruye-90T represents a novel species in the genus Rheinheimera , for which the name Rheinheimera tilapiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ruye-90T ( = LMG 26339T = BCRC 80263T = KCTC 23315T).

Two yellow-pigmented, Gram-reaction-negative strains, designated 01SU5-PT and 03SU3-PT, were isolated from the freshwater of Woopo wetland, Republic of Korea. Both strains were aerobic, non-motile and catalase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two isolates belong to the genus Sphingopyxis , showing the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to Sphingopyxis witflariensis W-50T (95.4–95.7 %). The two novel isolates shared 99.4 % sequence similarity. DNA–DNA hybridization between the isolates and the type strain of S. witflariensis clearly suggested that strains 01SU5-PT and 03SU3-PT represent two separate novel species in the genus Sphingopyxis . The two strains displayed different fingerprints after PCR analysis using the repetitive primers BOX, ERIC and REP. Several phenotypic characteristics served to differentiate these two isolates from recognized members of the genus Sphingopyxis . The data from the polyphasic study presented here indicated that strains 01SU5-PT and 03SU3-PT should be classified as representing novel species in the genus Sphingopyxis , for which the names Sphingopyxis rigui sp. nov. and Sphingopyxis wooponensis sp. nov., respectively, are proposed. The type strain of Sphingopyxis rigui sp. nov. is 01SU5-PT ( = KCTC 23326T = JCM 17509T) and the type strain of Sphingopyxis wooponensis sp. nov. is 03SU3-PT ( = KCTC 23340T = JCM 17547T).

A beige-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile moderately thermotolerant, rod-shaped organism, strain CC-SPIO-10-1T, was isolated from a coastal hot spring of Green Island (Lutao), located off Taituang, Taiwan, on Marine Agar 2216. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, this organism was grouped into the genus Stappia , showing 98.3 % sequence similarity to Stappia indica B106T and 98.2 % gene sequence similarity to Stappia stellulata IAM 12621T . Ubiquinone Q-10 was the major respiratory quinone and C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl were detected as the major fatty acids. The hydroxylated fatty acid C18 : 0 3-OH was detected as well. Predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified aminolipid AL1 and unidentified phospholipid PL1. Minor amounts of several unidentified lipids (PL2 and L1–L7) were present as well. The polyamine pattern contained the major compounds spermidine and spermine. Strain CC-SPIO-10-1T could be differentiated from the type strains of S. stellulata and S. indica by a set of biochemical tests. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the chemotaxonomic and physiological data, it is concluded that strain CC-SPIO-10T represents a novel species of the genus Stappia for which the name Stappia taiwanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-SPIO-10 T ( = CCUG 59208T = LMG 25538 T = CCM 7757T).

A previously undescribed aerobic, non-sporulating bacterium, strain G1A_585T, was isolated from an oligotrophic freshwater lake in Bavaria, Germany. The rod-shaped cells were Gram-stain-negative and non-motile. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain G1A_585T was a member of the family Sphingomonadaceae and shared <95.2 % similarity with type strains of all members of the most closely related genus, Sphingopyxis . Phyogenetically, the isolate shared a root with strains of three marine species, Sphingopyxis flavimaris DSM 16223T, Sphingopyxis marina DSM 22363T and Sphingopyxis litoris DSM 22379T. The polar lipids of strain G1A_585T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipids, three glycolipids and one unknown lipid. Ubiquinone-10 was the dominant quinone (93.1 %) and ubiquinone-9 (6.5 %) was also detected. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c; 38.2 %); C16 : 1ω7c (33.6 %) and C14 : 0 2-OH (17.8 %). The major polyamine was spermidine and traces of 1,3-diaminopropane, putrescine and spermine were also detected. The DNA G+C content of strain G1A_585T was 55.7 mol% and the isolate was oxidase- and catalase-positive. Based on the phylogenetic relationship, the low DNA G+C content compared with most other members of the genus Sphingopyxis and the presence of signature nucleotides in the 16S rRNA gene sequence, a novel species in a new genus and species, Sphingorhabdus planktonica gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed; the type strain of Sphingorhabdus planktonica is G1A_585T ( = DSM 25081T  = LMG 26646T). Because Sphingopyxis flavimaris DSM 16223T, Sphingopyxis marina DSM 22363T and Sphingopyxis litoris DSM 22379T form a phylogenetic group together with strain G1A_585T that is clearly separated from all other known Sphingopyxis strains and share signature nucleotides, these three Sphingopyxis strains are reclassified as members of the proposed novel genus Sphingorhabdus: Sphingorhabdus flavimaris comb. nov. (type strain SW-151T = DSM 16223T = KCTC 12232T), Sphingorhabdus marina comb. nov. (type strain FR1087T = DSM 22363T = IMSNU 14132T = KCTC 12763T = JCM 14161T) and Sphingorhabdus litoris comb. nov. (type strain FR1093T = DSM 22379T = IMSNU 14133T = KCTC 12764T = JCM 14162T).

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, strictly aerobic strain with gliding motility, designated SW024T, was isolated from surface seawater of the South Pacific Gyre (26° 29′ S 137° 56′ W) during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 329. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain was related most closely to Aquimarina muelleri KMM 6020T, Aquimarina macrocephali JAMB N27T, Aquimarina addita JC2680T, Aquimarina mytili PSC33T, Aquimarina intermedia KMM 6258T, Aquimarina latercula ATCC 23177T, Aquimarina spongiae A6T, Aquimarina agarilytica ZC1T and Aquimarina brevivitae SMK-19T (96.1, 95.5, 95.0, 94.4, 94.3, 94.0, 93.4, 93.3 and 93.2 % similarities, respectively), demonstrating that the novel strain belonged to the genus Aquimarina . The DNA G+C content of strain SW024T was 30.8 mol%. The major respiratory quinone of strain SW024T was MK-6. The dominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G, C16 : 0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17 : 1ω9c, and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids of strain SW024T were phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown aminolipids and five unknown polar lipids. On the basis of combined phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, strain SW024T represents a novel species of the genus Aquimarina , for which the name Aquimarina longa sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW024T ( = CGMCC 1.11007T = JCM 17859T). An emended description of A. muelleri is also proposed.

Two red-pigmented isolates, designated RQ-33T and TU-13, were recovered from hot spring runoffs on the Island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. These organisms have an optimum growth temperature of approximately 45 °C and an optimum pH for growth between 7.5 and 8.5. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the novel isolates were most closely related to the type strain of Cecembia lonarensis at 96.4 % pairwise similarity. Cells of the two isolates were non-motile, rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, and oxidase- and catalase-positive. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and C15 : 0, phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid, and menaquinone 7 was the major respiratory quinone. Based on phylogenetic analyses, and physiological and biochemical characteristics, these isolates from the Azores represent a novel species of the genus Cecembia for which the name Cecembia calidifontis is proposed with strain RQ-33T ( = DSM 21411T = LMG 24596T) as the type strain. The description of the genus Cecembia is also emended.

A taxonomic study was carried out on a novel bacterium, designated strain ck-I2-15T, which was isolated from deep-sea sediment collected from the South-west Indian Ocean Ridge. Cells of strain ck-I2-15T were Gram-reaction-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, moderately halophilic and capable of denitrification. Growth was observed with 0–9 % (w/v) NaCl and at temperatures of 10–37 °C. The novel strain was unable to degrade gelatin. The dominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16 : 0). The major respiratory quinone was MK6 and the polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and four other unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison indicated that strain ck-I2-15T was most closely related to Galbibacter mesophilus Mok-17T (92.9 % sequence similarity), followed by ‘Joostella atrarenae’ M1-2 (92.8 %), Joostella marina En5T (92.7 %) and Zhouia amylolytica HN-171T (91.6 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ck-I2-15T formed a clade with the genus Galbibacter , within the family Flavobacteriaceae . Several phenotypic properties allowed strain ck-I2-15T to be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain ck-I2-15T represents a novel species of the genus Galbibacter , for which the name Galbibacter marinus is proposed. The type strain is ck-I2-15T ( = CCTCC AB 209062T = LMG 25228T = MCCC 1A03044T).

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated, motile-by-gliding rod, designated SSK2-3T, was isolated from the junction between seawater and a freshwater spring at Jeju island, South Korea. Strain SSK2-3T grew optimally at 25–30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SSK2-3T clustered with type strains of species of the genus Mariniflexile , with which it exhibited 97.2–97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Sequence similarity between the isolate and the other strains used in the phylogenetic analysis was <95.6 %. Strain SSK2-3T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain SSK2-3T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain SSK2-3T was 32.4 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness between the isolate and Mariniflexile gromovii KCTC 12570T, Mariniflexile fucanivorans DSM 18792T and Mariniflexile aquimaris HWR-17T was 19, 15 and 20 %, respectively. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain SSK2-3T is separate from other members of the genus Mariniflexile . On the basis of the data presented, strain SSK2-3T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mariniflexile , for which the name Mariniflexile jejuense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SSK2-3T ( = KCTC 23958T  = CCUG 62414T). An emended description of the genus Mariniflexile is given.

Two orange, rod-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic bacterial strains devoid of flagella and gliding motility, designated strains KYW371T and KS18 were isolated from a seawater sample and a shellfish Ruditapes philippinarum, respectively, collected from Gwangyang Bay, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae ; and that strain KYW371T was most closely related to Algibacter mikhailovii LMG 23988T (96.7 % sequence similarity), Pontirhabdus pectinivorans JC2675T (96.3 %), Postechiella marina M091T (95.6 %) and Hyunsoonleella jejuensis CNU004T (95.3 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.8 %) and DNA–DNA relatedness (78.1 %) between strains KYW371T and KS18 indicated that these two strains represented a single species. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain KYW371T were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. MK-6 was the only isoprenoid quinone and the DNA G+C content was 34.8–36.6 mol%. Data from this taxonomic study employing a polyphasic approach suggested that the isolates represent a novel species in a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Marinivirga aestuarii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KYW371T ( = KCTC 23449T = JCM 17452T), and an additional strain of the species is KS18 ( = KCTC 23128 = JCM 16845). Emended descriptions of the genera Hyunsoonleella , Jejuia and Pontirhabdus and the species Hyunsoonleella jejuensis , Jejuia pallidilutea and Pontirhabdus pectinivorans are also proposed.

Bacterial strains CNX-216T and CNU-914T were isolated from marine sediment samples collected from Palmyra Atoll and off Catalina Island, respectively. Both strains were Gram-negative and aerobic and produce deep-orange to pink colonies and alkaloid secondary metabolites. Cells of strain CNX-216T were short, non-motile rods, whereas cells of strain CNU-914T were short, curved rods with gliding motility. The DNA G+C contents of CNX-216T and CNU-914T were respectively 57.7 and 44.4 mol%. Strains CNX-216T and CNU-914T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω5c as the major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that both strains belong to the order Cytophagales in the phylum Bacteroidetes . Strain CNX-216T exhibited low 16S rRNA gene sequence identity (87.1 %) to the nearest type strain, Cesiribacter roseus 311T, and formed a well-supported lineage that is outside all currently described families in the order Cytophagales . Strain CNU-914T shared 97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with ‘Porifericola rhodea’ N5EA6-3A2B and, together with ‘Tunicatimonas pelagia’ N5DB8-4 and four uncharacterized marine bacteria isolated as part of this study, formed a lineage that is clearly distinguished from other families in the order Cytophagales . Based on our polyphasic taxonomic characterization, we propose that strains CNX-216T and CNU-914T represent novel genera and species, for which we propose the names Mooreia alkaloidigena gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain CNX-216T  = DSM 25187T  = KCCM 90102T) and Catalinimonas alkaloidigena gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain CNU-914T  = DSM 25186T  = KCCM 90101T) within the new families Mooreiaceae fam. nov. and Catalimonadaceae fam. nov.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, pale-orange-pigmented bacterial strain with xylan-degrading activity designated YC7004T was isolated from a rotten-wood sample collected at Jinju, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The strain grew optimally on R2A medium at 30 °C and at pH 6. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK7 and major fatty acids were summed feature 3, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 1ω9c and C16 : 1ω5c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belongs to the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae . The most closely related species were Mucilaginibacter daejeonensis (95.5 %), Mucilaginibacter frigoritolerans (94.6 %) and Mucilaginibacter mallensis (94.0 %). Based on the phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data analyses, strain YC7004T represents a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter with the proposed name of Mucilaginibacter jinjuensis sp. nov. The type strain is YC7004T ( = KACC 16571T = NBRC 108856T).

A Gram-stain-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive bacterial strain that was motile by gliding and produced a pink pigment, designated DCY49T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in a mountainous region of Chungbuk province, South Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DCY49T belonged to the genus Pedobacter (93.0–96.3 % similarity). Strain DCY49T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (containing C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 1ω6c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0, and the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain DCY49T was 40.5 mol%. Strain DCY49T differed from related Pedobacter species by a number of phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of data from the present polyphasic study, strain DCY49T is described as representing a novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the name Pedobacter ginsengiterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY49T ( = KCTC 23317T = JCM 17338T).

Two strains of Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that were motile by gliding, N7d-4T and B4a-b5, were isolated during a study of culturable bacteria in soil cultivated with potatoes. These isolates grew at 15–37 °C and at pH 6.5–7.0. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c), anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. The major polar lipids were phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The strains contained d-18 : 0 and d-19 : 0 sphingosines. The DNA G+C contents of strains N7d-4T and B4a-b5 were 48.5 and 46.9 mol% (HPLC), respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains N7d-4T and B4a-b5 were affiliated with Pedobacter species in the family Sphingobacteriaceae . Strains N7d-4T and B4a-b5 shared 99.9 % sequence similarity, and the most closely related Pedobacter type strains were Pedobacter composti TR6-06T (96.5 and 96.7 % sequence similarity, respectively), P. oryzae N7T (95.4 and 95.6 %) and P. caeni LMG 22862T (94.0 and 94.4 %). Phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference clearly distinguished the two isolates from other Pedobacter species. Based on these data, the isolates are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the name Pedobacter luteus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N7d-4T ( = KCTC 22699T  = DSM 22385T).

Five strains of anaerobic, Gram-negative bacilli isolated from the human oral cavity were subjected to a comprehensive range of phenotypic and genotypic tests and were found to comprise a homogeneous group. Phylogenetic analysis of full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these strains represented a novel group within the family Prevotellaceae , and the most closely related species was Prevotella tannerae . P. tannerae and the novel taxon are deeply branched from the genus Prevotella , with sequence identities to the type strain of the type species of Prevotella , Prevotella melaninogenica , of 82.2 and 85.6 %, respectively. The novel genus Alloprevotella gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate the novel species Alloprevotella rava gen. nov., sp. nov. and the previously named Prevotella tannerae Moore et al. 1994 as Alloprevotella tannerae gen. nov., comb. nov. The type species is Alloprevotella tannerae. The type strain of Alloprevotella rava is 81/4-12T ( = DSM 22548T  = CCUG 58091T) and the type strain of Alloprevotella tannerae is ATCC 51259T  = CCUG 34292T  = CIP 104476T  = NCTC 13073T. Alloprevotella rava is weakly to moderately saccharolytic and produces moderate amounts of acetic acid and major amounts of succinic acid as end products of fermentation. Strains are sensitive to 20 % bile and hydrolyse gelatin. The principal cellular long-chain fatty acids are anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain is 47 mol%.

Two strictly anaerobic bacterial strains, designated IP3-3T and SBP-1, were isolated from groundwater contaminated by chlorinated alkanes and alkenes at a Superfund Site located near Baton Rouge, Louisiana (USA). Both strains reductively dehalogenate a variety of polychlorinated aliphatic alkanes, including 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and 1,2,3-trichloropropane, when provided with hydrogen as the electron donor. To clarify their taxonomic position, strains IP3-3T and SBP-1 were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Both IP3-3T and SBP-1 are mesophilic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and Gram-stain-negative. Cells of both strains are irregular cocci with diameters of 0.4–1.1 µm. Both are resistant to ampicillin and vancomycin. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains IP3-3T and SBP-1 are 55.5±0.4 and 56.2±0.2 mol% (HPLC), respectively. Major cellular fatty acids include C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0, C14 : 0 and C16 : 1ω9c. 16S rRNA gene sequence based phylogenetic analyses indicated that the strains cluster within the phylum Chloroflexi most closely related to but distinct from the species Dehalogenimonas lykanthroporepellens (96.2 % pairwise similarity) and Dehalococcoides mccartyi (90.6 % pairwise similarity). Physiological and chemotaxonomic traits as well as phylogenetic analysis support the conclusion that these strains represent a novel species within the genus Dehalogenimonas for which the name Dehalogenimonas alkenigignens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IP3-3T ( = JCM 17062T = NRRL B-59545T).

Two Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-pigmented cocci, designated IMCC11369T and IMCC11389, were isolated from surface seawater of the East Sea of Korea by high-throughput cultivation based on dilution to extinction. Strains IMCC11369T and IMCC11389 shared 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and >86.3 % DNA–DNA relatedness, which suggested that they belong to the same genomic species. The isolates were most closely related to Lentisphaera araneosa HTCC2155T (99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates formed a robust cluster with L. araneosa HTCC2155T. DNA–DNA relatedness values, however, showed that the isolates were distantly related to L. araneosa HTCC2155T (2.0–18.6 %), which suggested that they represent a separate genomic species in the genus Lentisphaera . The two isolates were phenotypically differentiated from their closest relative by several characteristics, including degradation of macromolecules and carbon source utilization. The DNA G+C content was 44.5–45.2 mol% and the predominant cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. Strain IMCC11369T contained MK-7 as the respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown lipid as the major polar lipids. On the basis of data obtained in this study, a novel species is proposed to accommodate the isolates, Lentisphaera marina sp. nov. The type strain is IMCC11369T ( = KCTC 23780T = NBRC 108776T).

Yellow leaf disease (YLD) with phytoplasmal aetiology is a serious disease of arecanut palm in India. The present study was undertaken to characterize the 16S rRNA and secA gene sequences of the Indian arecanut YLD phytoplasma for ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ’ species assignment and 16Sr group/subgroup classification. Phytoplasma 16S rRNA genes were amplified using three sets of semi-nested/nested primers, 1F7/7R3–1F7/7R2, 4Fwd/3Rev–4Fwd/5Rev and P1/P7–R16F2n/R16R2, producing amplicons of 491, 1150 and 1250 bp, respectively, from diseased samples. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced. A blast search showed that the sequences had 99 % similarity with sugar cane white leaf phytoplasma (16SrXI) and Napier grass stunt phytoplasma (16SrXI). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed the clustering of YLD phytoplasma with the rice yellow dwarf and Bermuda grass white leaf groups. The YLD phytoplasma F2nR2 sequence shared 97.5 % identity with that of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae ’ and 97.8 % identity with that of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis ’. Hence, for finer differentiation, we examined the secA gene-based phylogeny, where the YLD phytoplasma clustered with Napier grass stunt and sugar cane grassy shoot phytoplasmas, both belonging to the rice yellow dwarf group. Hence, we are assigning the Indian arecanut YLD phytoplasma as a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae ’-related strain. Virtual RFLP analysis of a 1.2 kb fragment of the 16S rRNA gene (F2nR2 region) identified the Indian arecanut YLD phytoplasma as a member of 16SrXI-B subgroup. We name the phytoplasma Indian yellow leaf disease phytoplasma, to differentiate it from the Hainan YLD phytoplasma, which belongs to group 16SrI.

Strain DMKU-RK359T, representing a novel yeast species, was isolated from the external surface of a sugar-cane leaf collected in Thailand. On the basis of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large-subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, strain DMKU-RK359T was assigned to a novel Wickerhamomyces species. The novel species was closest to Wickerhamomyces ciferrii, but differed from it by 0.7 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and 6 % nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. The name Wickerhamomyces siamensis sp. nov. is proposed (type strain DMKU-RK359T  = BCC 50732T  = NBRC 108900T  = CBS 12570T).