- Volume 66, Issue 12, 2016

A Gram-stain-negative, short rod-shaped and light-red-pigmented bacterium, designated XAAS-1T, was isolated from the soil of Aydingkol Lake near the Turpan City, Xinjiang, China. The isolate was positive for oxidase, catalase and hydrolysis of starch, casein, gelatin and aesculin. The sole respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the principal cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and C15 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified polar lipids. The polyamine pattern was found to contain mainly sym-homospermidine. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain XAAS-1T belongs to the genus Pontibacter in the family Cytophagaceae , with sequence similarities ranging from 93.8 to 96.7 % with other type species of the genus Pontibacter . On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain XAAS-1T represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter , for which the name Pontibacter aydingkolensis sp. nov. (type strain XAAS-1T=CCTCC AB 2016134T=JCM 31442T) is proposed.

The genus Roseivirga currently includes five species: Roseivirga ehrenbergii , R. echinicomitans , R. spongicola , R. marina and R. maritima . Marinicola seohaensis SW-152T was renamed as Roseivirga seohaensis SW-152T and then reclassified again as a later heterotypic synonym of R. ehrenbergii KMM 6017T. In this study, based on average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values obtained from in silico methods, together with fatty acid analyses and biochemical tests, we propose to reclassify R. ehrenbergii SW-152 as Roseivirga seohaensis comb. nov. (type strain SW-152T=KCTC 1231T=JCM 12600T). In this work, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic and pink-pigmented strain designated as D-25T was isolated from seawater (Desaru Beach, Johor, Malaysia). The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that strain D-25T was related to the genus Roseivirga . Strain D-25T was found most closely related to R. seohaensis SW-152T based on average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, indicating that these strains belong to the same species. Thus, it is proposed to split the species R.oseivirga seohaensis into two novel subspecies, Roseivirga seohaensis subsp. seohaensis subsp. nov. (type strain SW-152T=KCTC 12312T=JCM 12600T) and Roseivirga seohaensis subsp. aquiponti subsp. nov. (type strain D-25T=KCTC 42709T=DSM 101709T) and to emend the description of the genus Roseivirga .

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated RA4-7T, was isolated from the gut of an abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) collected from the sea around Jeju island, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. RA4-7T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that RA4-7T represented a member of the genus Polaribacter . RA4-7T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.64 and 97.23 % to Polaribacter atrinae WP25T and Polaribacter dokdonensis DSW-5T, respectively, and of 93.83–96.99 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Polaribacter . RA4-7T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in RA4-7T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of RA4-7T was 30.5 mol% and its DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. atrinae and P. dokdonensis were 16 and 11 %, respectively. Differential phenotypic properties, in combination with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that RA4-7T is separated from species of the genus Polaribacter with validly published names. On the basis of the data presented, RA4-7T represented a novel species of the genus Polaribacter , for which the name Polaribacterhaliotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA4-7T (=KCTC 52418T=NBRC 112383T).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped, non-motile, pale-yellow bacterial strain was isolated from biological soil crusts collected in the desert of Kubuqi, Inner Mongolia of China, designated MIMBbqt12T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain MIMBbqt12T was 49.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MIMBbqt12T belongs to the genus Spirosoma with the highest sequence similarity of 93.5 % to Spirosoma arcticum R2-35T. The major fatty acids of strain MIMBbqt12T were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 03-OH, C16 : 1ω5c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). The results of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness supported that strain MIMBbqt12T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma , for which the name Spirosoma soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MIMBbqt12T (=MCCC 1K01308T=KCTC 42805T).

A Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, motile and endospore-forming bacterial strain, designated TEGR-3T, was isolated from the roots of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum collected from the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province, China. Strain TEGR-3T produced siderophores and hydrolysed aesculin, starch and CM-cellulose. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TEGR-3T was a member of the genus Paenibacillus , exhibiting the highest sequence similarity to Paenibacillus endophyticus LMG 27297T (97.3 %) and Paenibacillus castaneae DSM 19417T (97.3 %). MK-7 was the only menaquinone detected and anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0 were the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The DNA G+C content was 45.2 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness values for strain TEGR-3T with respect to its closest phylogenetic relatives Paenibacillus endophyticus LMG 27297T and Paenibacillus castaneae DSM 19417T were lower than 40 %. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain TEGR-3T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus sinopodophylli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TEGR-3T (=CCTCC AB 2016047T=KCTC 33807T).

A novel endophytic bacterium, strain 1DrF-4T, isolated from rice roots, was characterized on the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and genotypic information. The novel strain was Gram-positive-staining, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic, motile and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 1DrF-4T formed a monophyletic clade within the genus Paenibacillus . The most phylogenetically related species was Paenibacillus pinesoli KACC 17472T, with which strain 1DrF-4T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 95.2 %. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with type strains of other species of the genus Paenibacillus were less than 95 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (61.1 %) and C16 : 0 (11.1 %), which is one of the characteristic traits of the genus Paenibacillus . The quinone system contained exclusively menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, glycolipid and an unknown phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 50.16 mol%, which was within the range reported for species of the genus Paenibacillus . Characterization by genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analysis indicated that strain 1DrF-4T (=ACCC 19927T=JCM 30486T) represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus oryzae sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-positive-staining, facultatively aerobic, endospore-forming bacterial strain, isolated from the stem tissue of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) was subjected to a detailed taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JM-1350T grouped into the genus Saccharibacillus , and was most closely related to the type strain of Saccharibacillus sacchari (96.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by the type strains of Saccharibacillus kuerlensis (96.3 %) and Saccharibacillus deserti (95.1 %). The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The quinone system contained exclusively menaquinone MK-7. The polar lipid (L1) profile consisted of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol and moderate amounts of three glycolipids and an aminophospholipid and a polar lipid (L1). The major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids. The genomic G+C content was 55.2 mol%. In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain JM-1350T from all closely related species. Thus, strain JM-1350T represents a novel species of the genus Saccharibacillus , for which the name Saccharibacillus endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JM-1350T (=LMG 29710T=CCM 8702T).

A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium (strain JC303T) isolated from a salt pan was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as a member of the genus Jeotgalibacillus . It was related most closely to Jeotgalibacillus salarius ASL-1T (99.1 % similarity), J eotgalibacillus alimentarius YKJ-13T (97.9 %), J eotgalibacillus soli JSM 081008 (97.9 %), J eotgalibacillus malaysiensis D5T (97.8 %), J eotgalibacillus marinus DSM 1297T (96.3 %), J eotgalibacillus campisalis SF-57T (96.1 %) and J. soli P9T (94.9 %). Genomic relatedness based on DNA–DNA hybridization of strain JC303T with the type strains of the closest related species was less than 40 %. Diphosphatidylglycerol, three aminophospholipids, an unidentified aminoglycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid were the polar lipids of strain JC303T. Major (>10 %) fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Cell-wall amino acids contained peptidoglycan with l-lysine as the diagnostic diamino acid. Strain JC303T contained MK-7 as the predominant (96 %) menaquinone with the presence of a significant amount (4 %) of MK-8. The DNA G+C content was 43 mol%. On the basis of morphological, physiological, genotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain JC303T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Jeotgalibacillus , for which the name Jeotgalibacillus alkaliphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC303T (=KCTC 33662T=LMG 28756T). In addition, we propose to rename J. soli (Chen et al., 2010), an illegitimate homonym of the validly published name Jeotgalibacillus soli (Cunha et al., 2012) as Jeotgalibacillus terrae sp. nov. with type strain JSM 081008T (=DSM 22174T=KCTC 13528T).

A study of the faecal microbiome in three healthy female rhesus macaques revealed the presence of a novel obligately anaerobic, chemoorganoheterotrophic, non-sporing, coccoid, non-motile, Gram-stain-positive bacterial species. Three strains of this species, designated as M108T, M916-1/1, and M919-2/1, were non-haemolytic, H2S-positive, catalase-positive, bile- and NaCl-sensitive and required peptone for growth. Strains also were asaccharolytic, able to utilize sulfite, thiosulfate and elemental sulfur as electron acceptors, and produced acetic and butyric acids as metabolic end-products. Strain M108T is characterized by the prevalence of C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9cis dimethyl acetal among the cellular fatty acids, and the presence of MK-10 menaquinone. The DNA G+C content was found to be 51 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains M108T, M916-1/1 and M919-2/1 placed these strains into the genus Peptococcus (family Peptococcaceae ). On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties we conclude that these strains represent a novel bacterial species for which the name Peptococcus simiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M108T (=DSM 100347T=VKM B-2932T).

A Gram-staining-positive, moderately halophilic, aerobic, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated WD4L-1T was isolated from surface-sterilized stem tissue of a poplar tree planted in the Wudalianchi National Geopark of Heilongjiang province, PR China. This novel isolate grew in the presence of 0–15 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.0–9.0 and 15–50 °C; optimum growth was observed with 7–8 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7.0 and 30 °C. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strain WD4L-1T belonged to the genus Lentibacillus , and was most closely related to Lentibacillus garicola SL-MJ1T with a sequence similarity of 96.1 %. The DNA G+C content of strain WD4L-1T was determined to be 36.9 mol%. The respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and the major lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids of strain WD4L-1T were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The results of the physiological and biochemical tests and the minor differences in the fatty acid profiles allowed a clear phenotypic differentiation of strain WD4L-1T from the closely related Lentibacillus garicola JCM 30131T. Thus, strain WD4L-1T represents a novel species of the genus Lentibacillus , for which the name Lentibacillus populi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WD4L-1T (=CGMCC 1.15454T=DSM 101738T). An emended description of the genus Lentibacillus is also provided.

A novel filamentous, halophilic, thermotolerant bacterium, strain SMBg3T was isolated from superficial sediment of a solar saltern in Sfax, Tunisia. The isolate is Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Optimum growth occurred at 40–45 °C, with 10 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 8.0–9.0. Long and well developed aerial and substrate mycelia, with long chains of fluorescent and circular spores, were observed on all tested media. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SMBg3T belongs to an independent phylogenetic lineage of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae and shows a gene sequence similarity of 94 % with Desmospora activa DSM 45169T 94.2 % with Kroppenstedtia eburnea DSM 45196T, 94.3 % with Kroppenstedtia guangzhouensis KCTC 29149T, 94.3 % with Melghirimyces algeriensis DSM 45474T and 94.5 % with Salinithrix halophila CECT 8506T. The predominant menaquinone is MK-7, but MK-8 and some minor unidentified components are also present in trace amounts. The major cellular fatty acids are anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. In addition to four major polar lipids identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, five minor unknown lipids were detected in cell membranes. The DNA G+C content of strain SMBg3T is 51.2 mol%. Strain SMBg3T is distinct from recognized genera of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae by morphological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics. On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic data, strain SMBg3T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Thermoactinomycetaceae for which the name Paludifilum halophilum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is SMBg3T (=DSM 102817T=CCUG 68698T).

A Gram-stain-positive, lactic acid bacterium, strain Ru20-1T, was isolated from a flower (West-Indian jasmine) collected from Kalasin province, Thailand. A polyphasic approach was used to determine the taxonomic position of this strain. Studies of morphological and biochemical characteristics revealed that strain Ru20-1T belonged to the genus Lactobacillus . The strain was heterofermentative, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. It produced dl-lactic acid. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, this strain was closely related to Lactobacillus lindneri LMG 14528T (96.8 %), Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis NRIC 1548T (95.4 %) and Lactobacillus florum NRIC 0771T (95.2 %), respectively. In addition, the pheS gene sequence of strain Ru20-1T was closely related to those of L. sanfranciscensis NRIC 1548T (92.0 %), L. lindneri LMG 14528T (89.0 %) and L. florum NRIC 0771T(85.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain Ru20-1T was clearly separated from closely related species of the genus Lactobacillus . The DNA G+C content of strain Ru20-1T was 47.8 mol %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was l-Lys–d-Asp. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C20 : 0, C20 : 1ω9c and summed feature 7 (unknown 18.846 and/or C19 : 1ω6c and/or C19 : 0 cyclo). On the basis of the data provided, strain Ru20-1T represents a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus , for which the name Lactobacillus ixorae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ru20-1T (=LMG 29008T=NBRC 111239T=PCU 346T=TISTR 2381T).

In 1994, analyses of clostridial 16S rRNA gene sequences led to the assignment of 18 species to Clostridium cluster XI, separating them from Clostridium sensu stricto ( Clostridium cluster I). Subsequently, most cluster XI species have been assigned to the family Peptostreptococcaceae with some species being reassigned to new genera. However, several misclassified Clostridium species remained, creating a taxonomic conundrum and confusion regarding their status. Here, we have re-examined the phylogeny of cluster XI species by comparing the 16S rRNA gene-based trees with protein- and genome-based trees, where available. The resulting phylogeny of the Peptostreptococcaceae was consistent with the recent proposals on creating seven new genera within this family. This analysis also revealed a tight clustering of Clostridium litorale and Eubacterium acidaminophilum . Based on these data, we propose reassigning these two organisms to the new genus Peptoclostridium as Peptoclostridium litorale gen. nov. comb. nov. (the type species of the genus) and Peptoclostridium acidaminophilum comb. nov., respectively. As correctly noted in the original publications, the genera Acetoanaerobium and Proteocatella also fall within cluster XI, and can be assigned to the Peptostreptococcaceae . Clostridium sticklandii , which falls within radiation of genus Acetoanaerobium , is proposed to be reclassified as Acetoanaerobium sticklandii comb. nov. The remaining misnamed members of the Peptostreptococcaceae , [ Clostridium ] hiranonis, [ Clostridium ] paradoxum and [ Clostridium ] thermoalcaliphilum, still remain to be properly classified.

Strain FC2004T, a strictly anaerobic, extremely thermophilic heterotroph, was isolated from a hot spring in Thailand. Typical cells of strain FC2004T were rod shaped (0.5–0.6×1.1–2.5 µm) with an outer membrane swelling out over an end. Filaments (10–30 µm long) and membrane-bound spheroids containing two or more cells inside (3–8 µm in diameter) were observed. The temperature range for growth was 60–88°C (optimum 78–80°C), pH range was 6.5–8.5 (optimum pH 7.5) and NaCl concentration range was 0 to <5 g l−1 (optimum 0.5 g l−1). S0 stimulated growth yield. S2O3 2– and NO3 − did not influence growth. Glucose, maltose, sucrose, fructose, cellobiose, CM-cellulose and starch were utilized for growth. The membrane was composed mainly of the saturated fatty acids C16:0 and C18:0. The DNA G+C content was 45.8 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain FC2004T revealed highest similarity to species of the genus Fervidobacterium : F. pennivorans DSM 9078T (97–96 %), F. islandicum AW-1 (96 %), F. changbaicum CBS-1T (96 %), F. islandicum H21T (95 %), F. nodosum Rt17-B1T (95 %), F. riparium 1445tT (95 %) and F. gondwanense AB39T (93 %). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and average nucleotide identity analysis suggested that strain FC2004T represented a novel species within the genus Fervidobacterium , for which the name Fervidobacterium thailandense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FC2004T (=JCM 18757T=ATCC BAA-2483T).

A thermophilic, anaerobic, heterotrophic bacterium, designated 2PyrY55-1T, was isolated from the wall of an active hydrothermal white-smoker chimney in the Soria Moria vent field (71° N) at the Mohns Ridge in the Norwegian–Greenland Sea. Cells of the strain were Gram-negative, motile rods that possessed a polar flagellum and a sheath-like outer structure (‘toga’). Growth was observed at 45–70 °C (optimum 65 °C), at pH 5.0–7.5 (optimum pH 5.5) and in 1.5–5.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.5 %). The strain grew on pyruvate, complex proteinaceous substrates and various sugars. Cystine and elemental sulfur were used as electron acceptors, and sulfide was then produced. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 27 mol% (T m method). Cellular fatty acids included C16 : 0, C14 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 1 ω9c, C18 : 1 ω9c, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 ω7c and C12 : 0. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain belonged to the genus Marinitoga in the family Petrotogaceae . Based on the phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data, strain 2PyrY55-1T (=DSM 29778T=JCM 30566T) is the type strain of a novel species of the genus Marinitoga , for which the name Marinitoga arctica sp. nov. is proposed.

Two Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, aerobic and coccus-shaped bacterial strains, KSY3-6T and JSH6-18, were isolated from soil in South Korea. Strains KSY3-6T and JSH6-18 showed high resistance to gamma-ray and UVC irradiation. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains KSY3-6T and JSH6-18 showed a novel subline within the genus Deinococcus in the family Deinococcaceae . They shared 94.8–86.4 % nucleotide similarities with other species of the genus Deinococcus. Strain KSY3-6T exhibited high DNA–DNA hybridization values with JSH6-18 (77±0.8 %). The two strains showed typical chemotaxonomic characteristics of the genus Deinococcus , including the presence of menaquinone 8 (MK-8) as predominant respiratory quinone and C16 : 0, C17 : 0cyclo and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c) as major fatty acids. The G+C content of the DNA of strains KSY3-6T and JSH6-18 was 62.0 and 62.4 mol%, respectively. Polar lipids in strains KSY3-6T and JSH6-18 were mainly phosphoglycolipids. Based on their phenotypic and genotypic properties, strains KSY3-6T and JSH6-18 should be classified as representatives of a novel species in the genus Deinococcus , for which the name Deinococcus persicinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KSY3-6T (=KCTC 33787T=JCM 31313T). The reference strain is JSH6-18 (=KCTC 33788=JCM 31312).

Two gamma- and UV-radiation-resistant, pink-coloured bacterial strains, designated YIM F302T and YIM F235, were isolated from the desert of Yanbu' al Bahr located in west of Saudi Arabia. Taxonomic positions of the two isolates were investigated by polyphasic taxonomic approaches. Cells of the two strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped. They were able to grow at 15–45 °C and pH 6.0–8.0 and had a NaCl tolerance limit of 1 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains YIM F302T and YIM F235 represent members of the genus Deinococcus , sharing highest sequence similarities of 98.3 and 98.4 %, respectively, with Deinococcus grandis DSM 3963T. The strains were found to contain MK-8 as the respiratory menaquinone. Major fatty acids (>10 %) of the two strains were C15 : 1 ω6c, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω7c. DNA–DNA hybridization values of the two isolates against the closely related type strains were significantly below the 70 % limit for species delineation. Genomic DNA G+C contents of strains YIM F302T and YIM F235 were 69.3 and 69.0 mol%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics recorded, it is determined that the two isolates represent a novel species of the genus Deinococcus , for which the name Deinococcus saudiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM F302T (=CGMCC 1.15089T=DSM 29933T).

China tree yellows (ChTY) phytoplasma is associated with the yellowing disease of the China tree (Melia azedarach) in Argentina. According to partial 16S rRNA gene analysis, ChTY phytoplasma belongs to the 16Sr XIII group, subgroup G. Strains of species of ChTY have 98–99 % 16S rDNA gene sequence similarity with 16SrXIII-group phytoplasmas, and less than 97.5 % when compared to all ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ’ described so far, except for the novel ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum '. However, strains of species of ChTY are differentiated from the latter due to having additional molecular and biological attributes. The presence of unique features in the 16S rDNA sequence distinguishes ChTY from all species of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ’ currently described. The in silico RFLP profile of 16S rDNA (1.2 kb) and rpLV-rpsC (1.3 kb) genes distinguished ChTY, as in the 16SrXIII-G subgroup within the 16SrXIIII group. The phylogenetic analyses, based on 16S rDNA, rpLV-rpsC and secA gene sequences, in addition to the restricted host range, characteristic symptoms and geographical distribution, confirm that the collective strains of the species ChTY represent a distinct lineage within the phytoplasma clade and support the description of a novel species of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma meliae ’ with the reference strain being ChTY-Mo3 (Montecarlo, Argentina).

A novel member of Acidobacteria was isolated from a microbial mat growing on a geothermally heated dead tree trunk in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (HI, USA). The rod-shaped, Gram-negative capsulated cells of strain PMMR2T were non-motile and catalase and oxidase negative. Growth occurred aerobically from 15 to 55 °C (optimum, 40 °C) and at pH values from 4.5 to 7.0 (optimum, 6.5). A limited range of sugars and organic acids supported growth. However, results of a genomic analysis suggested that various polysaccharides might be hydrolysed as carbon sources, and evidence for pectin degradation was observed in liquid cultures. A genomic analysis also revealed genes for a Group 1f uptake hydrogenase; assays with liquid cultures confirmed hydrogen consumption, including uptake at sub-atmospheric concentrations. Nitrate was not dissimilated to nitrite. Major membrane fatty acids included iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The G+C content was 57.2mol%. A comparative genome analysis revealed an average nucleotide identity of 72.2 % between PMMR2T and its nearest cultured phylogenetic neighbour, Acidobacterium capsulatum ATCC 51196T (=JCM 7670T); analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a 96.8 % sequence identity with Acidobacterium capsulatum ATCC 51196T. These results and other phenotypic differences indicated that strain PMMR2T represents a novel species in the genus Acidobacterium , for which the name Acidobacterium ailaaui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain, PMMR2T (=DSM 27394T=LMG 28340T), is the second formal addition to the genus Acidobacterium .