- Volume 65, Issue Pt_4, 2015

A hyperthermophilic methanogen, strain JH146T, was isolated from 26 °C hydrothermal vent fluid emanating from a crack in basaltic rock at Marker 113 vent, Axial Seamount in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. It was identified as an obligate anaerobe that uses only H2 and CO2 for growth. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain is more than 97 % similar to other species of the genus Methanocaldococcus . Therefore, overall genome relatedness index analyses were performed to establish that strain JH146T represents a novel species. For each analysis, strain JH146T was most similar to Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22, which can fix N2 and also comes from Marker 113 vent. However, strain JH146T differs from strain FS406-22 in that it cannot fix N2. The average nucleotide identity score for strain JH146T was 87 %, the genome-to-genome direct comparison score was 33–55 % and the species identification score was 93 %. For each analysis, strain JH146T was below the species delineation cut-off. Full-genome gene synteny analysis showed that strain JH146T and strain FS406-22 have 97 % genome synteny, but strain JH146T was missing the operons necessary for N2 fixation and assimilatory nitrate reduction that are present in strain FS406-22. Based on its whole genome sequence, strain JH146T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Methanocaldococcus for which the name Methanocaldococcus bathoardescens is proposed. The type strain is JH146T ( = DSM 27223T = KACC 18232T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain A31T, was isolated from the surface of weathered biotite in Susong, Anhui Province, China. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 8.0 and with 1 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain A31T had A3α as the cell-wall peptidoglycan type and galactose, mannose and rhamnose as whole-cell sugars. Anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 were the major cellular fatty acids and MK-9(H2) was the predominant respiratory quinone. In addition, the total polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and four glycolipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain A31T was 70.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain A31T was related most closely to Sinomonas albida LC13T (98.3 % similarity), Sinomonas atrocyanea DSM 20127T (98.2 %), Sinomonas soli CW 59T (98.1 %), Sinomonas flava CW 108T (97.8 %), ‘Sinomonas mesophila’ MPKL 26 (97.3 %), Sinomonas echigonensis LC10T (97.1 %) and ‘ Sinomonas notoginsengisoli ’ SYP-B575 (96.7 %). DNA–DNA hybridization studies with the new isolate showed relatedness values of 16.0–56.6 % with its six closest neighbours. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain A31T represents a novel species of the genus Sinomonas , for which the name Sinomonas susongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A31T ( = DSM 28245T = CCTCC AB 2014068T).

A novel Gram-stain-positive actinobacterium, designated PS-14-7T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of a mangrove on Pramuka Island, Indonesia, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. The peptidoglycan type of strain PS-14-7T was A4α and lysine was the diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4) and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 72.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain PS-14-7T was closely related to Serinibacter salmoneus Kis4-28T (99.6 %). However, DNA–DNA hybridization and phenotypic characteristics revealed that strain PS-14-7T differed from Serinibacter salmoneus . Therefore, strain PS-14-7T represents a novel species of the genus Serinibacter , for which the name Serinibacter tropicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PS-14-7T ( = NBRC 110108T = InaCC A 515T). An emended description of the genus Serinibacter is also proposed.

A novel endophytic actinobacterium, designated EGI 6500707T, was isolated from the surface-sterilized root of a halophyte Anabasis elatior (C. A. Mey.) Schischk collected from Urumqi, Xinjiang province, north-west China, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, short rods and produced white colonies. Growth occurred at 10–45 °C (optimum 25–30 °C), at pH 5–10 (optimum pH 8) and in presence of 0–4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0–3 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9. The diagnostic phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain EGI 6500707T was 69.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain EGI 6500707T should be placed in the genus Frigoribacterium (family Microbacteriaceae , phylum Actinobacteria ), and that the novel strain exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Frigoribacterium faeni JCM 11265T (99.1 %) and Frigoribacterium mesophilum MSL-08T (96.5 %). DNA–DNA relatedness between strain EGI 6500707T and F. faeni JCM 11265T was 47.2 %. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data, strain EGI 6500707T represents a novel species of the genus Frigoribacterium , for which the name Frigoribacterium endophyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EGI 6500707T ( = JCM 30093T = KCTC 29493T).

Strain SK9K4T, which is a strictly anaerobic, non-motile, non-sporulating, Gram-stain-positive, saccharolytic coccobacillus, was isolated from pig faeces. SK9K4T metabolized indol-3-acetic acid to 3-methylindole (skatole), which is the main contributor to boar taint; it also produced 4-methylphenol (p-cresol) from p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. Phylogenetic analyses, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that the isolate represented a new lineage within the genus Olsenella of the family Atopobiaceae . Strain SK9K4T was most closely related to the type strains of the three species of the genus Olsenella with validly published names; Olsenella profusa DSM 13989T (93.6 %), Olsenella uli DSM 7084T (93.5 %) and Olsenella umbonata DSM 22620T (92.7 %). DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain SK9K4T with O. profusa , O. uli and O. umbonata were 28.3 %, 69.1 % and 27.2 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 62.1 mol% and the major cellular fatty acids (constituting >10 % of the total) were C14 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9c. The major end product of glucose fermentation was lactic acid, with minor amounts of acetic acid and formic acid; no H2 was produced. Discrepancies in the fatty acid profiles, the MALDI-TOF mass spectra of cell extracts and the physiological and biochemical characteristics differentiated strain SK9K4T from other species of the genus Olsenella and indicate that the isolate represents a novel species within this genus. The name Olsenella scatoligenes sp. nov., is proposed and the type strain is SK9K4T ( = JCM 19907T = DSM 28304T).

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain GKU 164T, was isolated from the roots of a jambolan plum tree (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels), collected at Khao Khitchakut National Park, Chantaburi province, Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain formed a distinct clade within the genus Nonomuraea , and was most closely related to Nonomuraea monospora PT708T (98.77 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Nonomuraea thailandensis KC-061T (98.73 %). Strain GKU 164T formed a branched substrate and aerial hyphae that generated single spores with rough surfaces. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars were madurose, galactose, mannose, ribose, rhamnose and glucose. The N-acyl type of muramic acid was acetyl. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4) with minor amounts of MK-9(H6), MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H0). The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositolmannosides, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid and four unknown phospholipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and 10-methyl C17 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.4 mol%. Significant differences in the morphological, chemotaxonomical, and biochemical data together with DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain GKU 164T and type strains of closely related species, clearly demonstrated that strain GKU 164T represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea , for which the name Nonomuraea syzygii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GKU 164T ( = BCC 70457T = NBRC 110400T).

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-TX2-2T, was isolated from moss and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The isolate was found to have morphological characteristics typical of the genus Microbispora . The isolate formed longitudinally paired spores on the tips of short sporophores that branched from aerial hyphae. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence supported the assignment of the novel strain to the genus Microbispora , and strain NEAU-TX2-2T exhibited 99.08 and 98.62 % gene sequence similarities to Microbispora amethystogenes JCM 3021T and Microbispora rosea subsp. rosea JCM 3006T, respectively. However two tree-making algorithms supported the position that strain NEAU-TX2-2T formed a distinct clade with M. rosea subsp. rosea JCM 3006T. A low level of DNA–DNA relatedness allowed the isolate to be differentiated from M. amethystogenes JCM 3021T and M. rosea subsp. rosea JCM 3006T. Moreover, strain NEAU-TX2-2T could also be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives by morphological and physiological characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-TX2-2T represents a novel species of the genus Microbispora for which the name Microbispora bryophytorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-TX2-2T ( = CGMCC 4.7138T = DSM 46710T).

Actinomycete strain SA198T, isolated from a Saharan soil sample of Algeria, was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics observed suggested that it was a member of the genus Saccharothrix . The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain SA198T was a member of the genus Saccharothrix and showed a similarity level ranging between 97.5 and 98.9 % within species of the genus Saccharothrix , Saccharothrix australiensis being the most closely related. However, DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain SA198T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, the type strains of S. australiensis , Saccharothrix xinjiangensis , Saccharothrix algeriensis and Saccharothrix espanaensis , were clearly below the 70 % threshold. Based upon genotypic and phenotypic differences from other members of the genus, a novel species, Saccharothrix tamanrassetensis sp. nov., is proposed, with SA198T ( = DSM 45947T = CECT 8640T) as the type strain.

An actinobacterium strain (M-201T) was isolated from a deep-sea scleractinian coral (Fam. Caryophillidae) collected at 1500 m depth in the Avilés Canyon in the Cantabrian Sea, Asturias, Spain. Strain M-201T grew at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0), between 4 and 37 °C (optimum 28 °C) and at salinities of 0.5–10.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.5–3.0 %). The peptidoglycan contained the amino acids Lys, Ala, Thr, Glu and one unknown amino acid component, and belonged to type A4α, and the cell-wall sugars are glucose, mannose and galactose. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unknown phosphoglycolipid and seven unknown glycolipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6). Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 72.4 mol%. The chemotaxonomic properties supported the affiliation of strain M-201T to the genus Myceligenerans . Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was most closely related to Myceligenerans crystallogenes CD12E2-27T (98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). However, it had a relatively low DNA–DNA relatedness value with the above strain (48 %). The isolate showed antibiotic activity against Escherichia coli , Micrococcus luteus ATCC 14452 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. carlsbergensis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antibiotic production in the genus Myceligenerans . The differences in phenotypic, metabolic, ecological and phylogenetic characteristics justify the proposal of a novel species of the genus Myceligenerans , Myceligenerans cantabricum sp. nov., with M-201T ( = CECT 8512T = DSM 28392T) as the type strain.

A novel filamentous, endospore-forming, thermophilic and moderately halophilic bacterium designated strain Nari2AT was isolated from soil collected from an Algerian salt lake, Chott Melghir. The novel isolate was Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, catalase-negative and oxidase-positive. Optimum growth occurred at 50–55 °C, 7–10 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7–8. The strain exhibited 95.4, 95.4 and 95.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Thalassobacillus devorans G19.1T, Sediminibacillus halophilus EN8dT and Virgibacillus kekensis YIM-kkny16T, respectively. The major menaquinone was MK-7. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unknown phosphoglycolipids and two unknown phospholipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 41.9 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain Nari2AT is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Bacillaceae , order Bacillales , for which the name Melghiribacillus thermohalophilus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Melghiribacillus thermohalophilus is Nari2AT ( = DSM 25894T = CCUG 62543T).

A Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming, obligately anaerobic bacterium, designated LAM201T, was isolated from sediment samples from an alkaline-saline lake located in Daqing oilfield, Daqing City, PR China. Cells of strain LAM201T were non-motile and straight or spiral rod-shapes. Strain LAM201T was able to utilize glucose, fructose, maltose, trehalose and sorbitol as the sole carbon source. Acetic acid, ethanol, iso-butanoic acid and iso-valeric acid were the main products of glucose fermentation. The major fatty acids of LAM201T were C16 : 0 (26.7 %) and C18 : 0 (11.2 %). The main polar lipids were four unknown glycolipids and five unknown phospholipids. The predominant cell-wall sugars were ribose and galactose. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain LAM201T contained alanine, glycine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Sodium sulfite was used as the electron acceptor. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 32±0.8 mol%, as determined by the T m method. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the isolate belonged to the genus Romboutsia and was most closely related to Romboutsia lituseburensis DSM 797T and Romboutsia ilealis CRIBT with 97.3 % and 97.2 % similarities, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain LAM201T and the two reference strains were 37 % and 31 %, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain LAM201T is suggested to represent a novel species within the genus Romboutsia , for which the name Romboutsia sedimentorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM201T ( = ACCC 00717T = JCM 19607T).

Two Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming lactic acid bacteria, designated BK92T and BK117-1T, were isolated from tree barks in Thailand. Cells were catalase-negative and facultatively anaerobic rods. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that these strains belonged to the genus Sporolactobacillus . Strains BK92T and BK117-1T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sporolactobacillus putidus QC81-06T with 97.7 % and 97.1 % similarity, respectively. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships based on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequencing revealed that the positions of strains BK92T and BK117-1T were clearly separated from all related species of the genus Sporolactobacillus . Strains BK92T and BK117-1T had low DNA–DNA relatedness between each other and also with S. putidus QC81-06T and Sporolactobacillus vineae SL153T. The DNA G+C content of strains BK92T and BK117-1T was 46.6 mol% and 47.4 mol%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strains BK92T and BK117-1T were anteiso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. They contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan and had menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) as the predominant menaquinone. Based on evidence including phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic studies, strains BK92T and BK117-1T should be classified as representatives of novel species of the genus Sporolactobacillus , for which the names Sporolactobacillus shoreae sp. nov. and Sporolactobacillus spathodeae sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strains are BK92T ( = JCM 19541T = LMG 28365T = PCU 336T = TISTR 2234T) and BK117-1T ( = JCM 19542T = LMG 28366T = PCU 337T = TISTR 2235T).

Two Gram-stain-positive, diesel oil-degrading, solvent-tolerant, aerobic, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from a contaminated laboratory plate. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strains JC228T and JC279 were identified as belonging to the genus Bacillus within the family Bacillaceae of the phylum Firmicutes and were found to be most closely related to Bacillus carboniphilus JCM 9731T (98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and shared <96.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with other members of the genus Bacillus . The DNA–DNA hybridization value between the two strains was 88±2 %. Strain JC228T showed 23.4±1 % reassociation (based on DNA–DNA hybridization) with B. carboniphilus LMG 18001T. The DNA G+C content of strains JC228T and JC279 was 39 and 38.4 mol%, respectively. Both strains were positive for catalase and oxidase activities, and negative for hydrolysis of starch and Tween 80. Strains JC228T and JC279 grew chemoorganoheterotrophically with optimum growth at pH 7 (range pH 7–9.5) and 35 °C (range 25–40 °C). Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid (PL2) were the major polar lipids. Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained l-alanine, d-alanine, d-glutamic acid and meso-diaminopimelic acid. Both strains utilized diesel oil as sole carbon and energy source. The results of physiological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and molecular analyses allowed clear differentiation of strains JC228T and JC279 from their closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore strains JC228T and JC279 represent a novel species of the genus Bacillus , for which the name Bacillus oleivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC228T ( = LMG 28084T = CCTCC AB 2013353T).

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, chemoheterotrophic, moderately halophilic, exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing, cream, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain ZH114T, was isolated from deep water of the South China Sea, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that this strain belongs to the genus Salipiger with the highest sequence similarity to Salipiger mucescens LMG 22090T (96.83 %), followed by Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis LMG 24574T (96.12 %). Growth occurred at 4–37 °C (optimum 32 °C), pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum pH 9.0–10.0) and in the presence of 0–19 % NaCl (w/v) (optimum 6 %, w/v). It did not produce poly-β-hydroxyalkanoate granules or bacteriochlorophyll a. Acid was produced from glycerol, erythrose, ribose, d-xylose, galactose, glucose, fructose, mannitol, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, melibiose, turanose, d-lyxose, d-tagatose, d-fucose, d-arabitol and l-arabitol after inoculating for 24 h and weakly positive results were also detected after 48 h in API 50CH strips with d-arabinose, l-arabinose, l-xylose, adonitol, mannose, aesculin, salicin, sucrose, mycose and l-fucose. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c. The major polar lipids of ZH114T were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain ZH114T was 63.8 mol%. Based on this phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain ZH114T should be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Salipiger , for which the name Salipiger nanhaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZH114T ( = JCM 19383T = KCTC 32468T).

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and rod-shaped motile bacterium with peritrichous flagella, designated strain LZB041T, was isolated from offshore surface seawater of the East China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain LZB041T formed a lineage within the family ‘ Aurantimonadaceae ’ that was distinct from the most closely related genera Aurantimonas (96.0–96.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Aureimonas (94.5–96.0 %). Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 1–7 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7.0–8.0 and at 28–37 °C. Ubiquinone-10 was the predominant respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids (>10 % of total fatty acids) were C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8) and cyclo-C19 : 0ω8c. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, one unknown aminolipid, one unknown phospholipid and one unknown polar lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain LZB041T was 71.3 mol%. On the basis of polyphasic analysis, strain LZB041T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the class Alphaproteobacteria , for which the name Jiella aquimaris gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is LZB041T ( = JCM 30119T = MCCC 1K00255T).

A thermophilic, anaerobic, chemolithoautotrophic bacterium, strain TB-6T, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent located on the East Pacific Rise at 9° N. The cells were Gram-staining-negative and rod-shaped with one or more polar flagella. Cell size was approximately 1–1.5 µm in length and 0.5 µm in width. Strain TB-6T grew between 45 and 70 °C (optimum 55–60 °C), 0 and 35 g NaCl l−1 (optimum 20–30 g l−1) and pH 4.5 and 7.5 (optimum pH 5.5–6.0). Generation time under optimal conditions was 2 h. Growth of strain TB-6T occurred with H2 as the energy source, CO2 as the carbon source and nitrate or sulfur as electron acceptors, with formation of ammonium or hydrogen sulfide, respectively. Acetate, (+)-d-glucose, Casamino acids, sucrose and yeast extract were not used as carbon and energy sources. Inhibition of growth occurred in the presence of lactate, peptone and tryptone under a H2/CO2 (80 : 20; 200 kPa) gas phase. Thiosulfate, sulfite, arsenate, selenate and oxygen were not used as electron acceptors. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 36.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of strain TB-6T showed that this organism branched separately from the three most closely related genera, Caminibacter , Nautilia and Lebetimonas , within the family Nautiliaceae . Strain TB-6T contained several unique fatty acids in comparison with other members of the family Nautiliaceae . Based on experimental evidence, it is proposed that the organism represents a novel species and genus within the family Nautiliaceae , Cetia pacifica, gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is TB-6T ( = DSM 27783T = JCM 19563T).

A yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain ZFGT-11T, was isolated from roots of Geum aleppicum Jacq. collected from Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi Province, north-west China, and was subjected to a taxonomic study by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain ZFGT-11T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic rods that were surrounded by a thick capsule and were motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ZFGT-11T was a member of the genus Sphingomonas and was closely related to Sphingomonas naasensis KACC 16534T (97.6 % similarity), Sphingomonas kyeonggiense JCM 18825T (96.8 %), Sphingomonas asaccharolytica IFO 15499T (96.7 %) and Sphingomonas leidyi DSM 4733T (96.6 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C17 : 1ω6c, C14 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0 and C15 : 0 2-OH. The major polyamine of strain ZFGT-11T was sym-homospermidine. Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, two unidentified aminoglycolipids, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified lipids were detected in the polar lipid profile. The DNA G+C content was 66.8 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness for strain ZFGT-11T with respect to its closest phylogenetic relative S. naasensis KACC 16534T was 26.2±4.8 % (mean±sd). On the basis of data from the present polyphasic taxonomic study, strain ZFGT-11T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas , for which the name Sphingomonas gei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZFGT-11T ( = CCTCC AB 2013306T = KCTC 32449T = LMG 27608T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile bacterium, designated THG-DD7T, was isolated from tomato plant rhizosphere soil. Strain THG-DD7T grew optimally at 25–30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-DD7T was most closely related to Rhodanobacter umsongensis GR24-2T (98.2 %), Rhodanobacter panaciterrae LnR5-47T (98.0 %), Rhodanobacter soli DCY45T (97.9 %), Rhodanobacter terrae GP18-1T (97.9 %) and Dyella ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046T (97.7 %). The DNA G+C content was 65.2 mol%. In DNA–DNA hybridization, the DNA relatedness levels between strain THG-DD7T and its closest phylogenetically neighbours were below 40.0 %. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphtidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl (summed feature 9). These data supported the affiliation of strain THG-DD7T to the genus Rhodanobacter . The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain THG-DD7T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the species of the genus Rhodanobacter with validly published names. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodanobacter koreensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DD7T ( = KACC 17650T = JCM 19614T).

Three Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, non-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strains, SP32T ( = SLM-1T), SR68 ( = SLM-3) and SP95 ( = SLM-2), were isolated from two water samples of a cold-water lake in Xinjiang province, China. Growth was observed at 4–25 °C and pH 6.0–9.0, and optimum growth occurred at 18–20 °C and at pH 7.0–7.5. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these isolates belonged to the family Rhodobacteraceae , but formed an evolutionary lineage distinct from other species of this family with validly published names. Strain SP32T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (96.7 %) to Rhodobacter veldkampii ATCC 35703T, and the similarity to members of the genera Defluviimonas , Haematobacter and Pseudorhodobacter was respectively 95.8–96.4, 96.0–96.1 and 95.3–96.1 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SP32T was 67.6 mol%. The major fatty acids (>5 %) were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c) and11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified polar lipid were the main polar lipids. Ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. Strain SP32T did not produce photosynthetic pigments and did not contain the gene pufM, by which it differed from the phototrophic species of the family Rhodobacteraceae . Based on its distinct phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain SP32T represents a novel species in a novel genus within the family Rhodobacteraceae , for which we propose the name Frigidibacter albus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Frigidibacter albus is strain SP32T ( = SLM-1T = CGMCC 1.13995T = NBRC 109671T).

The species Rhizobium lupini was isolated from Lupinus nodules and included in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names in 1980. Nevertheless, on the basis of the analysis of the type strain of this species available in DSMZ, DSM 30140T, whose 16S rRNA gene was identical to that of the type strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum , R. lupini was considered a later synonym of this species. In this study we confirmed that the strain DSM 30140T belongs to the species B. japonicum , but also that it cannot be the original strain of R. lupini because this species effectively nodulated Lupinus whereas strain DSM 30140T was able to nodulate soybean but not Lupinus. Since the original type strain of R. lupini was deposited into the USDA collection by L. W. Erdman under the accession number USDA 3051T we analysed the taxonomic status of this strain showing that although it belongs to the genus Bradyrhizobium instead of genus Rhizobium , it is phylogenetically distant from B. japonicum and closely related to Bradyrhizobium canariense . The type strains R. lupini USDA 3051T and B. canariense BTA-1T share 16S rRNA, recA and glnII gene sequences with similarities of 99.8 %, 96.5 % and 97.1 %, respectively. They presented a DNA–DNA hybridization value of 36 % and also differed in phenotypic characteristics and slightly in the proportions of some fatty acids. Therefore we propose the reclassification of the species Rhizobium lupini as Bradyrhizobium lupini comb. nov. The type strain is USDA 3051T ( = CECT 8630T = LMG 28514T).

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, strain JL351T, was isolated from the surface seawater of the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain had a close relationship with members of the genera Ponticoccus , Antarctobacter and Sagittula , and the closest relative was Ponticoccus litoralis CL-GR66T (with 96.56 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The polar lipids of strain JL351T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified glycolipid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c (60.9 %), C18 : 0 (13.7 %), C16 : 0 (9.4 %), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c (4.5 %), and C12 : 1 3-OH (4.4 %). The DNA G+C content was 66.2 mol%. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain JL351T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Ponticoccus , for which the name Ponticoccus lacteus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JL351T ( = CGMCC 1.12986T = JCM 30379T).

A polyphasic taxonomic analysis was carried out on 11 uncommon Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, but indole-negative, bacterial strains isolated from tortoises. Phenotypically and genetically they represented a homogeneous group of organisms most closely related to, but distinct from, Uruburuella suis . In a reconstructed 16S rRNA gene tree they clustered on a monophyletic branch next to U. suis with gene similarities between strains of 99.5–100 %, and of up to 98.2 % with U. suis . DNA–DNA hybridization indicated the organisms represented a novel species with only 40 % DNA-DNA similarity with U. suis . Partial sequencing of rpoB resulted in two subclusters confirming the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny; both genes allowed clear separation and identification of the novel species. Furthermore, they could be unambiguously identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS, where, again, they formed a highly homogeneous cluster separate from U. suis and other members of the family Neisseriaceae . The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and summed feature C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH. The DNA G+C content was 54.4 mol%. Based on phenotypic and genetic data we propose classifying these organisms as representatives of a novel species named Uruburuella testudinis sp. nov. The type strain is 07_OD624T ( = DSM 26510T = CCUG 63373T).

A Gram-stain-negative, halophilic bacterium, designated strain BH195T, was isolated from the sediment of the solar saltern pond located in Gomso, Republic of Korea. Strain BH195T was a strictly aerobic, non-motile rod, which grew at pH 3.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 7.5), at 4–55 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at salinities of 0.5–11 % (w/v) NaCl [optimum, 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl]. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain BH195T belongs to the genus Idiomarina , showing the highest sequence similarity to Idiomarina salinarum ISL-52T (97.4 %), Idiomarina homiensis PO-M2T (96.8 %), Idiomarina aestuarii KYW314T (96.7 %), and Idiomarina tainanensis PIN1T (96.7 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain BH195T were iso-C11 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C11 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 51.3 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain BH195T and I. salinarum KCTC 12971T was 33 %. On the basis of this polyphasic analysis, strain BH195T represents a novel species of the genus Idiomarina for which the name Idiomarina halophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH195T ( = KACC 17610T = NCAIM B 02544T).

An aerobic halotolerant restricted facultatively methylotrophic bacterium was isolated from a saline hot spring in Pamukkale, Turkey, and designated strain PK2T. The cells of this strain were Gram-stain-negative, asporogenous, motile short rods multiplying by binary fission. They utilized methanol, methylamine and mannitol as carbon and energy sources. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C in media containing 85 mM NaCl and at pH 7.5–8.0. C1 compounds were assimilated via the isocitrate-lyase-positive variant of the serine pathway. Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and the compatible solute ectoine were found in the cells. The dominant phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids of methanol-grown cells were C18 : 1ω7 and C16 : 1ω7c. The main ubiquinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content was 67.9 mol% (T m). The 16S rRNA gene sequence suggests that strain PK2T is affiliated with the order Rhizobiales within the class Alphaproteobacteria , being most closely related to Mesorhizobium gobiense CCBAU 83330T (94 % similarity). A novel genus and species, Methylobrevis pamukkalensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed on the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, with PK2T (VKM B-2849T = JCM 30229T) as the type strain.

A re-evaluation of the taxonomic position of two strains, 1383T and 2249, isolated from poppy seeds and tea leaves, which had been identified as Siccibacter turicensis (formerly Cronobacter zurichensis ), was carried out. The analysis included phenotypic characterization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of five housekeeping genes (atpD, fusA, glnS, gyrB and infB; 2034 bp) and ribosomal MLSA (53 loci; 22 511 bp). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and MLSA showed that the strains formed an independent phylogenetic lineage, with Siccibacter turicensis LMG 23730T as the closest neighbour. Average nucleotide identity analysis and phenotypic analysis confirmed that these strains represent a novel species, for which the name Siccibacter colletis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1383T ( = NCTC 14934T = CECT 8567T = LMG 28204T). An emended description of Siccibacter turicensis is also provided.

A yellow-pigmented, motile, Gram-stain-negative, moderately halophilic and strictly aerobic bacterium, designated BA42AL-1T, was isolated from water of a saltern of Santa Pola, Alicante, Spain. Strain BA42AL-1T grew in media containing 5–20 % (w/v) salts (optimum 7.5 % salts). It grew between pH 6.0 and 9.0 (optimally at pH 7.5) and at 15–45 °C (optimally at 37 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BA42AL-1T is a member of the genus Aquisalimonas . The closest relatives to this strain were Aquisalimonas halophila YIM 95345T and Aquisalimonas asiatica CG12T with sequence similarities of 99.4 % and 97.0 %, respectively. DNA–DNA hybridization between the novel isolate and Aquisalimonas halophila YIM 95345T revealed a relatedness of 54 %. The major fatty acids of strain BA42AL-1T were C18 : 1ω6c/C18 : 1ω7c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C16 : 0, and lower contents of C12 : 0 and C18 : 0. The polar lipid pattern of strain BA42AL-1T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, two glycolipids, a lipid and four unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 65.0 mol%. Based on the DNA–DNA hybridization, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data presented in this study, strain BA42AL-1T is proposed as a novel species of the genus Aquisalimonas , for which the name Aquisalimonas lutea sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is BA42AL-1T ( = CCM 8472T = CECT 8326T = LMG 27614T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, L-1T, which was capable of degrading methyl red was isolated from a dye-manufacturing factory in China. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses established affiliation of the isolate to the genus Dyadobacter . Cells occurred in pairs in young cultures but became chains of coccoid cells in old cultures, and produced a flexirubin-like yellow pigment. Strain L-1T could not hydrolyse cellulose, and had a DNA G+C content of 51.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0 3-OH were the other major fatty acid components. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strainL-1T was most closely related to Dyadobacter fermentans DSM 18053T (99.2 %), Dyadobacter soli JCM 16232T (98.9 %) and Dyadobacter beijingensis CGMCC 1.6375T (98.7 %). However, the new isolate exhibited relatively low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness with respect to JCM 16232T (41.2±1.8 %), DSM 18053T (38.6±2.6 %) and CGMCC 1.6375T (35.0±2.1 %). Strain L-1T could also be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives based on differences in several phenotypic characteristics. These data suggest that strain L-1T represents a novel species of the genus Dyadobacter , for which the name Dyadobacter jiangsuensis sp. is proposed. The type strain is L-1T (DSM 29057T = CGMCC 1.12969T).

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding, oxidase- and catalase-positive and rod-shaped yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain SW033T was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected from the South Pacific Gyre (GPS position: 26° 29′ S 137° 56′ W) during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, expedition 329. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SW033T belonged to the genus Hyunsoonleella and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Hyunsoonleella jejuensis CNU004T (96.8 %). It showed 94.7–95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to members of the genera Jejuia , Arenitalea and Algibacter in the family Flavobacteriaceae . Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 8.0 and at 28 °C. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SW033T was 36.1 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and four unidentified lipids. On the basis of the polyphasic analyses, strain SW033T is considered to represent a member of a novel species in the genus Hyunsoonleella , for which the name Hyunsoonleella pacifica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW033T ( = CGMCC 1.11009T = JCM 17860T).

A novel marine bacterium isolated from the intestine of cultured flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was studied by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolate was Gram-stain-negative, pleomorphic, aerobic, yellow and oxidase- and catalase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that isolate Th6T formed a distinct branch within the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed 96.6 % similarity to its closest relative, Bizionia hallyeonensis T-y7T. The DNA G+C content was 29 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C15 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel bacterium has been assigned to a novel species of a new genus for which the name Ichthyenterobacterium magnum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Th6T ( = JCM 18636T = KCTC 32140T).

Two Gram-stain-negative, yellow, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial isolates, designated THG-DN3.18T and THG-DN3.19T, were isolated from an ancient tree trunk from Daejeon, South Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity showed that both strains belong to the genus Pedobacter within the family Sphingobacteriaceae . Strain THG-DN3.18T exhibited maximum sequence similarity with Pedobacter boryungensis KCTC 23344T (98.5 %) while strain THG-DN3.19T exhibited maximum sequence similarity with Pedobacter nyackensis LMG 24260T (97.3 %). In DNA–DNA hybridization tests, the two strains showed less than 35 % relatedness with respect to closely related species of the genus Pedobacter . Both strains contained iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c (summed feature 3) as the predominant fatty acids and MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone. The DNA G+C contents of strains THG-DN3.18T and THG-DN3.19T were 35.5 and 40.1 mol%, respectively. The genotypic analysis, biochemical properties, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics indicate that strains THG-DN3.18T and THG-DN3.19T represent novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the names Pedobacter daejeonensis sp. nov. and Pedobacter trunci sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are THG-DN3.18T ( = KCTC 42230T = JCM 30352T) and THG-DN3.19T ( = KCTC 42233T = JCM 30353T), respectively.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated BG-MY13T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment on the South Sea, South Korea. Strain BG-MY13T grew optimally at 30–35 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BG-MY13T falls within the cluster comprising the type strains of species of the genus Gramella . Strain BG-MY13T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequ4ence similarity values of 96.9–97.8 % to the type strains of Gramella echinicola , Gramella gaetbulicola , Gramella portivictoriae and Gramella marina and of 94.6–96.5 % to the type strains of other species of the genus Gramella with validly published names. Strain BG-MY13T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain BG-MY13T was 38.9 mol% and DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of G. echinicola , G. gaetbulicola , G. portivictoriae and G. marina were 12–23 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain BG-MY13T is separated from other species of the genus Gramella . On the basis of the data presented, strain BG-MY13T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Gramella , for which the name Gramella aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BG-MY13T ( = KCTC 42285T = NBRC 110677T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated W-WS1T, was isolated from wood falls collected around Wando, an island located in the South Sea, Republic of Korea. Strain W-WS1T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain W-WS1T belonged to the genus Pedobacter , clustering coherently with the type strains of Pedobacter daechungensis , Pedobacter lentus , Pedobacter terricola , Pedobacter arcticus and Pedobacter glucosidilyticus , showing 94.3–96.3 % sequence similarity. Strain W-WS1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 91.2–94.0 % to the type strains of other species of the genus Pedobacter . Strain W-WS1T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain W-WS1T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain W-WS1T was 37.7 mol%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain W-WS1T is separated from recognized species of the genus Pedobacter . On the basis of the data presented, strain W-WS1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the name Pedobacter silvilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W-WS1T ( = KCTC 42174T = CECT 8669T).

A bacterial strain, designated 157T, isolated from human faeces was characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, which included analysis of physiological and biochemical features, cellular fatty acid profiles, menaquinone profiles and its phylogenetic position, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The strain was obligately anaerobic, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative rods. The isolate was able to grown on medium containing 20 % (w/v) bile. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain was a member of the genus Parabacteroides . Strain 157T was closely related to Parabacteroides gordonii JCM 15724T (96 % sequence similarity). The results of hsp60 gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 157T was different from P. gordonii JCM 15724T, with a hsp60 gene sequence similarity of 96.1 %. The major cellular fatty acids of strain 157T were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C18 : 1ω9c and anteiso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major menaquinone of the isolate was MK-9. The DNA G+C content of strain 157T was 41.8 mol%. On the basis of these data, strain 157T represents a novel species of the genus Parabacteroides , for which the name Parabacteroides faecis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 157T ( = JCM 18682T = CCUG 66681T).

A Gram-stain-negative, orange-coloured, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Th68T, was isolated from the intestine of flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The isolate required sea salts for growth. Gliding motility was not observed. Flexirubin-type pigments were present. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain Th68T represented a distinct phyletic line within the family Flavobacteriaceae with less than 96.1 % similarity to members of the recognized genera of the family. The DNA G+C content was 33.0 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the only respiratory quinone. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain Th68T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Flavirhabdus iliipiscaria gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Flavirhabdus iliipiscaria is Th68T ( = JCM 18637T = KCTC 32141T).

A novel bacterial strain, NGM72.4T, was isolated from a hot spring in the Ngatamariki geothermal field, New Zealand. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped it into the phylum Verrucomicrobia and class level group 3 (also known as OPB35 soil group). NGM72.4T stained Gram-negative, and was catalase- and oxidase-positive. Cells were small cocci, 0.5–0.8 µm in diameter, which were motile by means of single flagella. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) imaging showed an unusual pirellulosome-like intracytoplasmic membrane. The peptidoglycan content was very small with only trace levels of diaminopimelic acid detected. No peptidoglycan structure was visible in TEM imaging. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 (92 %). The major fatty acids (>15 %) were C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Major phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine (PMME) and cardiolipin (CL), and a novel analogous series of phospholipids where diacylglycerol was replaced with diacylserinol (sPE, sPMME, sCL). The DNA G+C content was 65.6 mol%. Cells displayed an oxidative chemoheterotrophic metabolism. NGM72.4T is a strictly aerobic thermophile (growth optimum 60–65 °C), has a slightly alkaliphilic pH growth optimum (optimum pH 8.1–8.4) and has a NaCl tolerance of up to 8 g l−1. Colonies were small, circular and pigmented pale pink. The distinct phylogenetic position and phenotypic traits of strain NGM72.4T distinguish it from all other described species of the phylum Verrucomicrobia and, therefore, it is considered to represent a novel species in a new genus for which we propose the name Limisphaera ngatamarikiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is NGM72.4T ( = ICMP 20182T = DSM 27329T).

A novel anaerobic, mesophilic, slightly halophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium, designated strain Khaled BD4T, was isolated from waters of a Tunisian thermal spring. Cells were vibrio-shaped or sigmoids (5–7×1–1.5 µm) and occurred singly or in pairs. Strain Khaled BD4T was Gram-stain-negative, motile and non-sporulated. It grew at 25–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 5.5–8.3 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0.5–8 % NaCl (optimum 3 %). It required vitamins or yeast extract for growth. Sulfate, thiosulfate, sulfite and elemental sulfur served as terminal electron acceptors, but not fumarate, nitrate or nitrite. Strain Khaled BD4T utilized H2 in the presence of 2 mM acetate (carbon source), but also lactate, formate, pyruvate and fumarate in the presence of sulfate. Lactate was incompletely oxidized to acetate. Amongst substrates used, only pyruvate was fermented. Desulfoviridin and c-type cytochrome were present. The G+C content of the DNA was 54.6 mol%. The main fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C18 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain Khaled BD4T had Desulfovibrio giganteus DSM 4123T (96.7 % similarity) as its closest phylogenetic relative. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons together with genetic and physiological characteristics, strain Khaled BD4T is assigned to a novel bacterial species, for which the name Desulfovibrio biadhensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Khaled BD4T ( = DSM 28904T = JCM 30146T).

Two yeast strains representing two novel yeast species were isolated from frass of an unidentified insect (ST-78T) and the external surfaces of rice leaves (YE170T) collected in Thailand. The two strains were genetically, morphologically and phenotypically distinct from recognized species and were found to represent two novel species of the genus Yamadazyma although formation of ascospores was not observed. In terms of pairwise sequence similarity of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene, the closest relative of strain ST-78T was Candida lessepsii CBS 9941T but with 3.8 % nucleotide substitutions, while the closest relative of strain YE170T was strain ST-78T but with 4.3 % nucleotide substitutions. Analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 (ITS1–2) regions revealed that strain ST-78 differed from C. lessepsii CBS 9941T by 8.8 % nucleotide substitutions and from strain YE170T by 9.4 % nucleotide substitutions. The result of pairwise sequence similarity of the D1/D2 and ITS1–2 regions together with phylogenetic analysis indicated that strains ST-78T and YE170T represented two novel species within the Yamadazyma clade. The names Yamadazyma insecticola f.a., sp. nov. (type strain ST-78T = BCC 8314T = NBRC 110421T = CBS 13382T; MycoBank no. MB810546) and Yamadazyma epiphylla f.a., sp. nov. (type strain YE170T = BCC 63466T = NBRC 110423T = CBS 13384T; MycoBank no. MB810547) are proposed for the two novel yeast species.

Eight strains, representing two novel anamorphic yeast species, consisted of five strains isolated from the external surfaces of rice leaves (DMKU-RP72T, DMKU-RP109, DMKU-RP119, YE-124 and YE-156) and one from a corn leaf (DMKU-CP430T)4 collected in Thailand, and one strain isolated from each of a composite flower (11-1114) and a fallen dead leaf (12-301); the latter two were collected in Belize. On the basis of sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, they were suggested to be two novel species of the genus Hannaella. Seven strains (DMKU-RP72T, DMKU-RP109, DMKU-RP119, YE-124, YE-156, 11-1114 and 12-301) differed from each other by 0–3 nt substitutions in the D1/D2 region and by 0–1 nt substitutions in the ITS region. In terms of pairwise sequence similarities of the D1/D2 region these seven strains were closest to Hannaella zeae, but with 1.2–1.7 % (7–9) nucleotide substitutions. The sequences of the ITS region of these seven strains differed from H. zeae by 3.7–3.9 % (16–17) nucleotide substitutions. Therefore, they were assigned to a single novel species and the name Hannaella siamensis sp. nov. has been proposed. The type strain is DMKU-RP72T ( = BCC 69493T = NBRC 110425T = CBS 13533T). Strain DMKU-CP430T represents the second novel species and was also most closely related to H. zeae, but with 1.0 % (6) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 region and 3.2 % (14) nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. It was assigned to the proposed novel species, Hannaella phetchabunensis sp. nov. (type strain DMKU-CP430T = BCC 69492T = NBRC 110424T = CBS 13386T).

Seven strains representing a novel yeast species belonging to the genus Kazachstania were found at several collection sites on both mainland Ecuador (Yasuní National Park) and the Galápagos (Santa Cruz Island). Two strains (CLQCA 20-132T and CLQCA 24SC-045) were isolated from rotten wood samples, two further strains (CLQCA 20-280 and CLQCA 20-348) were isolated from soil samples, and three strains (CLQCA 20-198, CLQCA 20-374 and CLQCA 20-431) were isolated from decaying fruits. Sequence analyses of the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that the novel species is most closely related to Kazachstania servazzii and Kazachstania unispora. Although the strains could not be distinguished from one another based upon their differing geographical origins, they could be differentiated according to their isolation source (fruit, soil or wood) by ITS sequencing. The species name Kazachstania yasuniensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with CLQCA 20-132T ( = CBS 13946T = NCYC 4008T) designated the type strain.

Diatoms form an enormous group of photoautotrophic micro-eukaryotes and play a crucial role in marine ecology. In this study, we evaluated typical genes to determine whether they were effective at different levels of diatom clustering analysis to assess the potential of these regions for barcoding taxa. Our test genes included nuclear rRNA genes (the nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene and the 5.8S rRNA gene+ITS-2), a mitochondrial gene (cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1, COI), a chloroplast gene [ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL)] and the universal plastid amplicon (UPA). Calculated genetic divergence was highest for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS; 5.8S+ITS-2) (p-distance of 1.569, 85.84 % parsimony-informative sites) and COI (6.084, 82.14 %), followed by the 18S rRNA gene (0.139, 57.69 %), rbcL (0.120, 42.01 %) and UPA (0.050, 14.97 %), which indicated that ITS and COI were highly divergent compared with the other tested genes, and that their nucleotide compositions were variable within the whole group of diatoms. Bayesian inference (BI) analysis showed that the phylogenetic trees generated from each gene clustered diatoms at different phylogenetic levels. The 18S rRNA gene was better than the other genes in clustering higher diatom taxa, and both the 18S rRNA gene and rbcL performed well in clustering some lower taxa. The COI region was able to barcode species of some genera within the Bacillariophyceae. ITS was a potential marker for DNA based-taxonomy and DNA barcoding of Thalassiosirales, while species of Cyclotella, Skeletonema and Stephanodiscus gathered in separate clades, and were paraphyletic with those of Thalassiosira. Finally, UPA was too conserved to serve as a diatom barcode.