- Volume 69, Issue 12, 2019

A novel actinobacterium producing biosurfactant, designated OTB305T, was isolated from marine sediment sampled at Otsuchi Bay, Iwate Prefecture, Japan and its taxonomic position was examined using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences exhibited that strain OTB305T was closely related to Streptomyces bohaiensis JCM 19630T (98.8 %) and Streptomyces lonarensis DSM 42084T (98.8 %). The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain OTB305T corresponded to those of the genus Streptomyces as follows: the diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-diaminopimelic acid; whole-cell hydrolysates contained glucose and lacked characteristic major sugars; the predominant isoprenoid quinones were MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H6); the polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and an unidentified phospholipid; the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω7c; and the genomic DNA G+C content was 72.83 mol%. However, genomic relatedness analysis based on the average nucleotide identity and some phenotypic characteristics revealed that strain OTB305T was distinguished from closely related Streptomyces species. Therefore, strain OTB305T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces otsuchiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is OTB305T (=NBRC 113255T=TBRC 9682T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain CFH 30434T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a karst cave in Luoyang, Henan Province, PR China. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of the strain were aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and coccoid or short rods. The strain was found to be oxidase-positive and weakly catalase-positive. Strain CFH 30434T grew optimally at 28 °C, pH 7.0–9.0 and in the presence of up to 0–1.5 % NaCl (w/v). The whole-cell sugars were glucose, mannose and rhamnose. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-9(H8) and the major fatty acids (>10 % of the total fatty acids compositions) were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15:0 and iso-C14 : 0. The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 72.3 mol%. The results of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that CFH 30434T clustered within the family Promicromonosporaceae , and closely with the type strains of Xylanimicrobium pachnodae DSM 12657T, Myceligenerans crystallogenes DSM 17134T and Promicromonospora xylanilytica CCTCC AA 208046T (97.3 %, 96.2 and 95.9 % sequence similarities, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain CFH 30434T formed a separate evolutionary branch, and was parallel to other related genera of Promicromonosporaceae . Its phylogenetic distinctiveness and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics supported that strain CFH 30434T represents a novel genus of the family Promicromonosporaceae , for which the name Antribacter gilvus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 30434T (=CGMCC 1.13856T=KCTC 49093T).

Three actinobacterial strains, 27D-LEPIT, 1B-Mac and 36A-HELLB, were isolated from small standing and running freshwater habitats located in Salzburg, Austria. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genome based on concatenated amino acid sequences of 119 single-copy genes referred the three strains within the family Microbacteriaceae to the genus Rhodoluna . The strains showed 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the previously described Candidatus Rhodoluna limnophila. Cells were very small, approximately 0.5×0.3 µm, and showed a red pigmentation in liquid nutrient broth–soyotone–yeast extract medium as well as on agar plates. The strains assimilated a broad variety of substrates; however, the patterns differed a great deal between the three investigated strains. For strain 27D-LEPIT, the major fatty acids were iso-C14 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0; the identified polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; the major respiratory quinone was MK-11; and analysis of the peptidoglycan structure indicated the presence of type B2β (typeB10). The genomic DNA of the three strains was very small (1.4 Mbp) and had a DNA G+C content of 54 mol%. The investigated traits suggested that strains 36A-HELLB (=DSM 107805=JCM 32927), 1B-Mac (=DSM 107802=JCM 32925) and 27D-LEPIT (=JCM 32926T =DSM 107804T) represent a new species for which the name Rhodoluna limnophila sp. nov. is proposed, with strain 27D-LEPIT as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile bacterial strain, designated SW125T, was isolated from a deep-sea vsediment sample collected from the Indian Ocean. Cells were aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. The strain grew at 4–42 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.6) and in the presence of 0.5–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0–3.0 %). Comparative analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain SW125T was grouped in the vicinity of the genus Negadavirga with the highest sequence similarity of 91.6 % to the type strain of Negadavirga shengliensis . The quinone system contained menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant component. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain SW125T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). Strain SW125T contained phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SW125T was 43.2 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic data, strain SW125T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Pleomorphovibrio marinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW125T (=CGMCC 1.16172T=DSM 107180T=KCTC 62636T).

In the present paper, we describe a new species of the genus Flavobacterium , designated as strain 1E403T, which was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Arctic. Strain 1E403T was Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped, gliding and aerobic. Growth occurred at 4–37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (pH 7.0) and with 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (0 %) on modified marine agar 2216. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that strain 1E403T was affiliated with the genus Flavobacterium and was more closely related to Flavobacterium subsaxonicum DSM 21790T (96.6 %) than to other species. In silico genomic comparisons, including average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values, showed 73.9 % and 18.8 % identity to the closest relative Flavobacterium subsaxonicum DSM 21790T, respectively. The average amino acid identity value between strain 1E403T and Flavobacterium aquatile DSM 1132T was 63.8 %. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 36.8 %, while the sole respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. Iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) were the major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain 1E403T. The polar lipid profile of strain 1E403T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. Based on the phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic inference, strain 1E403T represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium , and we propose the name Flavobacterium cerinum sp. nov. The type strain of Flavobacterium cerinum sp. nov. is 1E403T (=KCTC 62960T=MCCC 1H00356T).

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic, orange-pigmented, bacterium (designated 176CP4-71T) was isolated from a sponge sample of Hymeniacidonsinapium from Cheongpo beach, Taean district, in the Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, strain 176CP4-71T clustered with species of the genus Muricauda and appeared to be closely related to Muricauda pacifica LMG 26637T (95.4 %), Muricauda antarctica JCM 18450T (94.7 %), Muricauda taeanensis KACC 16195T (94.7 %) and Muricauda lutaonensis KCTC 22339T (94.2 %). The average nucleotide identity values between strain 176CP4-71T and the closely related strains were 70.7–73.7 %, indicating that 176CP4-71T is a novel species of the genus Muricauda . Growth occurs at 10–35 °C on marine agar medium in the presence of 1–8 % NaCl (w/v) and at pH 6.0–8.5. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.6 mol %, and menaquinone with six isoprene units (MK-6) was the major respiratory quinone. The major cellular fatty acids (>5 %) were C15 : 0iso, C15 : 1iso G, C17 : 0iso 3OH and C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c (summed feature 3). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid and unidentified lipids. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that strain 176CP4-71T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda , for which the name Muricauda hymeniacidonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 176CP4-71T (=KACC 19889T=LMG 31033T).

A strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, yellow, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated P-25T, was isolated from soil collected in Yantai, Shandong Province, PR China. The temperature, pH and NaCl concentration ranges for the growth of strain P-25T were 10–37 °C (optimum, 28–30 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.0) and 0–4 % (w/v) (optimum, 1 % w/v), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain P-25T was most closely related to Pedobacter xixiisoli S27T (98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by Pedobacter chitinilyticus CM134L-2T (97.2 %) and Pedobacter ureilyticus THG-T11T (97.1 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain P-25T based on its draft genome sequence was 38.1 %. MK-7 was the major respiratory quinone, and iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH were the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified lipids, five unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified glycolipids. Average nucleotide identity values for the draft genomes between strain P-25T and strains S27T, CM134L-2T and THG-T11T were 81.8, 77.6 and 81.2 %, respectively, and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were 30.0, 19.2 and 27.6 %, respectively. Based on their phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic data, and dDDH results, strain P-25T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pedobacter , for which the name Pedobacter helvus sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is strain P-25T (KCTC 62821T=CCTCC AB 2018185T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, devoid of flagella, orange–yellow-coloured bacterium (strain LB2P22T) was isolated from an ice sample collected from the Laigu glacier on the Tibetan Plateau, PR China. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain LB2P22T belongs to the genus Flavobacterium with highest similarity to Flavobacterium laiguense LB2P30T (98.14 %), Flavobacterium glaciei CGMCC 1.5380T (98.02 %), Flavobacterium psychroterrae CCM 8827T (97.94 %) and Flavobacterium granuli CGMCC 1.10125T (97.91 %). Strain LB2P22T had 77.99–84.99 % average nucleotide identity and 22.3–29.3 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization values with its closest relatives, indicating that it represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium . Strain LB2P22T grew at 0–25 °C, pH 7.0–8.0 and up to 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and anteiso-C15 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content is 34.3 mol%. The predominant menaquinone was MK-6 and the polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and four unidentified lipids. Based on these data, a novel species, Flavobacterium ranwuense sp. nov., is proposed, with LB2P22T (=CGMCC 1.11361T=NBRC 113777T) as the type strain.

A novel Gram-stain-negative and strictly anaerobic bacterial strain, designated KGMB02408T, was isolated from faeces of a healthy human in the Republic of Korea. The isolate was characterized as non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped (variable in length). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KGMB02408T belonged to the genus Bacteroides and was most closely related to Bacteroides faecichinchillae JCM 17102T (=KCTC 15666T; 96.5 %). Based on its whole-genome sequence, the DNA G+C content of the isolate was 39.5 mol%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain KGMB02408T and related species, B. faecichinchillae JCM 17102T, was 93.8 %. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of the isolate were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0-OH, summed feature 11 (iso-C17 : 0-OH and/or C18 : 2 DMA) and C16 : 0. Menaquinone-8 (28.6 %) and menaquinone-10 (47.1 %) were detected as the major respiratory quinones in the isolate. The major end products of glucose fermentation produced by strain KGMB02408T were lactic acid, acetic acid and formic acid. Based on its phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB02408T represents a novel species of the genus Bacteroides in the family Bacteroidaceae . The type strain is KGMB02408T (=KCTC 15687T=DSM 107828T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, cold-tolerant bacterium, designated F01003T, was isolated from soil sampled near Happiness Bay on the west coast of Antarctica. Strain F01003T was found to grow at 4–30 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH 5.5–8.0 (pH 6.5–7.0) and in the presence of 0–1 % NaCl (0 %, w/v). Cells were oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. Strain F01003T contained menaquinone 7 (MK-7) as the predominant respiratory quinone. The main cellular fatty acids included summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) and iso-C15 : 0. Phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminolipid were identified as the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain F01003T was 44.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain F01003T was most closely related to the genus Mucilaginibacter and exhibited the highest sequence similarity to Mucilaginibacter phyllosphaerae LMG 29118T (97.3 %). On the basis of the evidence presented in this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain F01003T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter gilvus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is F01003T (=KCTC 62991T=CCTCC AB 2019023T).

A strain of an obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative rod-shaped bacterium is described by phenotypical, biochemical and genotypical characterization. Strain A2672T was isolated from a wound of a patient sampled during routine care at hospital. Phylogenetic analysis was based on full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and revealed the strain to belong to the genus Prevotella , but to be distant from known species, with the closest relationship to Prevotella corporis . The genomic DNA G+C content was 44.0 mol%. Strain A2672T was moderately saccharolytic and proteolytic. The most abundant cellular long-chain fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. In view of these characteristics as well as whole-genome sequence analysis, strain A2672T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Prevotella , for which the name Prevotella brunnea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A2672T (=DSM 108033T=CCOS 1231T=CCUG 72809T).

A yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated T13T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Alhagi sparsifolia collected from Xinjiang, PR China. Cells were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and gliding. Strain T13T grew optimally at 25–30 °C and pH 7.0–8.0 with a NaCl tolerance of 0–2 % on Reasoner's 2A agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain T13T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium within the family Flavobacteriaceae and was closely related to Flavobacterium nitrogenifigens KCTC 42884T with a similarity value of 97.4 %. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine; the only respiratory quinone was MK-6, and the polyamine profile contained sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine and a trace amount of spermidine. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 :  1ω7c and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c or C16 : 1ω6c). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 34.1 mol%. It is concluded from the phenotypic and genotypic data that strain T13T represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium , for which the name Flavobacterium ustbae sp. nov. with the type strain T13T (=KCTC 62874T=ACCC 60126T) is proposed.

Strain NB2006T was isolated from an isosaccharinate-degrading, nitrate-reducing enrichment culture in minimal freshwater medium at pH 10. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that this strain was most closely related to species of the newly established genus Anaerobacillus . This was supported by phenotypic and metabolic characterisation that showed that NB2006T was rod-shaped, Gram-stain-positive, motile and formed endospores. It was an aerotolerant anaerobe and an obligate alkaliphile that grew at pH 8.5–11, could tolerate up to 6 % (w/v) NaCl, and grew at a temperature between 10 and 40 °C. In addition, it could utilise a number of organic substrates, and was able to reduce nitrate and arsenate. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω11c, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and C14 : 0. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the DNA G+C content was 37.7 mol%. In silico DNA–DNA hybridization with the four known species of the genus Anaerobacillus showed 21.8, 21.9, 22.4, and 21.5 % relatedness to Anaerobacillus arseniciselenatis DSM 15340T, Anaerobacilus alkalidiazotrophicus DSM 22531T, Anaerobacillus alkalilacustris DSM 18345T, and Anaerobacillus macyae DSM 16346T, respectively. NB2006T differed from strains of other species of the genus Anaerobacillus in its ability to metabolise isosaccharinate, an alkaline hydrolysis product of cellulose. On the basis of the consensus of phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses, this strain represents a novel species of the genus Anaerobacillus , for which the name Anaerobacillus isosaccharinicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NB2006T (=DSM 100644T=LMG 30032T).

Members of the genus Weissella are mostly found in fermented plant material. Among the Weissella species, two species, Weissella thailandensis and Weissella jogaejeotgali , were isolated from foods fermented from marine animals. The two species showed a high level of 16S rRNA gene similarity (99.39 %), whereas they exhibited a moderate level of DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness (63.9 %) in an earlier study. In this study, we determined the whole genome sequence of W. thailandensis KCTC 3751T and compared it to those of W. jogaejeotgali FOL01T and other related species. The average nucleotide identity value between the type strains of W. thailandensis and W. jogaejeotgali was 96.4 %, which is clearly higher than the cut-off proposed for bacterial species. We, therefore, propose to reclassify W. jogaejeotgali as a later heterotypic synonym of W. thailandensis .

Strain 1JSPR-7T, a facultatively anaerobic bacterium isolated from the gut of larvae of Allomyrina dichotoma raised in Wanju-gun, Republic of Korea, was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene and rpoB gene sequences showed that strain 1JSPR-7T fell within the genus Lactococcus , forming a compact cluster with the type strain of four subspecies of Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus taiwanensis . The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain 1JSPR-7T revealed the highest homology with L. lactis subsp. lactis JCM 5805T (97.3 %) and L. lactis subsp. hordniae NBRC 100931T (97.1 %), and the rpoB gene sequence showed the highest similarity to L. lactis subsp. cremoris DSM 20069T (91.4 %) and L. lactis subsp. tructae L105T (91.4 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values indicated that strain 1JSPR-7T was a novel species of the genus Lacococcus. The major fatty acids (>10 % of the total fatty acids) were summed feature 7 (unknown 18.846, C19 : 1ω6c and/or C19 : 0cyclo ω10c), C16 : 0 and C14 : 0, and the predominant menaquinone was MK-8 with MK-7 as a minor one. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified glycolipids with diphosphatidylglycerol as the major one. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was of the A4α type with an interpeptide bridge comprising l-Lys-d-Asp. The DNA G+C content based on the whole genome sequences was 37.4 mol%. Based on the data obtained, strain 1JSPR-7T represents a novel species of the genus Lactococcus , for which the name Lactococcus allomyrinae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1JSPR-7T (=KACC 19319T=NBRC 113068T).

A novel Gram-stain-variable, endospore-forming, motile, rod-shaped, facultative aerobic bacterium, designated 7197T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) collected from Yakeshi County, Inner Mongolia, PR China. This isolate was found to have the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Paenibacillussabinae T27T (98.0 %), followed by Paenibacillussophorae S27T (97.9 %) and Paenibacillusforsythiae T98T (97.7 %). To ascertain the genomic relatedness of this strain to its phylogenetic neighbours, its genome sequence was determined. The average nucleotide identity values of genome sequences between the novel isolate and the type strains of related species P. sabinae T27T, P. sophorae S27T and P. forsythiae T98T were 87.9 %, 85.8 and 83.9 %, respectively. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminophospholipids and one unidentified aminolipid. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (56.3 %), C16 : 0 (15.7 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (14.1 %).The genome size of strain 7197T was 5.21 Mb, comprising 4879 predicted genes with a DNA G+C content of 51.9 mol%. Menaquinone-7 was reported as the major respiratory quinone. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was found to be meso-diaminopimelic acid. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 7197T was classified as a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus rhizophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Paenibacillus rhizophilus is 7197T (=DSM 103168T=CGMCC 1.15699T).

A xylanolytic bacterial strain, named A59T, was isolated from a forest soil consortium in southern Argentina. Strain A59T is a Gram-stain-positive, facultative anaerobic, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium. Its optimal growth conditions are 30 °C (range, 28–37 °C), pH 7 (range, pH 5–10) and it tolerates up to 7 % of NaCl (range, 2–7 %). Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that strain A59Tpossesses meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. It contains menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone and the major fatty acid is anteiso-C15 : 0 (35.1 %), with a moderate amount of C16 : 0 (6.9 %). According to 16S RNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate is phylogenetically placed in the same cluster as Paenibacillus taichungensis BCRC 17757T (99.7 % nucleotide sequence identity) and Paenibacillus pabuli NBRC 13638T (99.1 %) and is closely related to Paenibacillus tundrae A10bT (98.8 %). However, phylogenetic studies based on the housekeeping gyrB gene placed A59T in a separate branch from all other related type strains. Furthermore, the results of whole genome average nucleotide identity analysis (gANI) with related type strains was lower than 91.10 % and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization value was lower than 44.30 %, which are below the threshold values for separating two species. The DNA G+C content was estimated as 46.09 mol%, based on genome sequencing. On the basis of these results, A59T represents a new species of the genus Paenibacillus , and we propose the name Paenibacillus xylanivorans sp. nov. The type strain is A59T (=DSM 107920T=NCIMB 15123T).

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain N2SHLJ1T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized tissue sample of Thalictrum simplex L. in Guizhou, PR China. To determine the bacterium’s taxonomic position, it was characterized by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested that strain N2SHLJ1T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus and is most closely to Paenibacillus aestuarii CJ25T (94.7 % similarity). Strain N2SHLJ1T grew at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), in 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %) and in pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum, 7.0). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 50.8 mol%. Based on the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain N2SHLJ1T was clearly distinguished from other species with validly published names in the genus Paenibacillus and should therefore be designated as a novel species, for which the name Paenibacillus thalictri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N2SHLJ1T (=JCM 33293T=CGMCC 1.13865T).

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, chemoorganotrophic and anaerobic bacterium, strain SK-G1T, was isolated from oily sludge sampled at the Shengli oilfield in PR China. Growth occurred with 0–30 g l−1 NaCl, at 40–65 °C and at pH 6.0–8.5. The predominant fatty acids were C14 : 0 and C13 : 0, and the major cellular polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. No respiratory quinone was detected. The genomic G+C content was 43.9 mol%. The strain had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (93.2 % identity) to Tepidanaerobacter syntrophicus DSM 15584T. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data showed that strain SK-G1T (=CCAM 530T=KCTC 15783T=JCM 33158T) represents a novel species of a new genus Biomaibacteracetigenes gen. nov., sp. nov. The results of phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses indicated that the genera Biomaibacter, Caldanaerovirga , Fervidicola , Tepidanaerobacter , Thermosediminibacter , Thermovenabulum and Thermovorax formed a clade with high bootstrap support distinguishing to other taxon within the order Thermoanaerobacterales. This clade is proposed as Thermosediminibacterales ord. nov. and includes Tepidanaerobacteraceae fam. nov. and Thermosediminibacteraceae fam. nov. Emended descriptions of the order Thermoanaerobacterales and family Syntrophomonadaceae are also provided.

A recent publication has created the genus name Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018 and the new combinations Hungateiclostridium cellulolyticum (Patel et al. 1980) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium aldrichii (Yang et al. 1990.) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium alkalicellulosi (Zhilina et al. 2006) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium clariflavum (Shiratori et al. 2009) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium straminisolvens (Kato et al. 2004) Zhang et al. 2018 and Hungateiclostridium saccincola (Koeck et al. 2016) Zhang et al. 2018 for names at the rank of species that were previously either included in the genus Clostridium Prazmowski 1880, Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980 or Herbivorax Koeck et al. 2016. Rules 23a, 38, 39b, 41a, 42 and 44 have not been followed and an illegitimate name at the rank of genus or illegitimate combinations at the rank of species as defined in Rule 51b(1) and (2) have been created. Another aspect is recognising the fact that an instance of heterotypic synonym has been created between Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980, Herbivorax Koeck et al. 2016 and Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018, where the earliest validly published genus name is Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980, of which the nomenclatural type is Acetivibrio cellulolyticus Patel et al. 1980. It follows from Rules 23a, 38, 39a, 39b, 41a, 42 and 44 that the genus name to be used is Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980, with new combinations in that genus replacing those published in the genus Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018, which together with the genus name are illegitimate according to Rule 51b of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Additional issues are also addressed with regards to the names Pseudoclostridium thermosuccinogenes (Drent et al. 1995) Zhang et al. 2018, Pseudoclostridium Zhang et al. 2018 Oscillospiraceae Peshkoff 1940 (Approved Lists 1980), Ruminococcaceae Rainey 2010, Eubacteriale s Buchanan 1917 (Approved Lists 1980) and Clostridiales Prévot 1953 (Approved Lists 1980)

Strain TE3T, an endophytic plant growth promoting bacterium, was isolated from wheat (Triticumturgidum subsp. durum) sampled in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. Biochemical, phenotypic and genotypic approaches were used to clarify the taxonomic affiliation of this strain. Based on analysis of its full-length 16S rRNA gene, strain TE3T was assigned to the genus Bacillus (similarity ≥98.7 %). This finding was supported by morphological and metabolic characteristics, such as rod shape, strictly aerobic metabolism, spore formation, Gram-positive staining, catalase-positive activity, reduction of nitrate to nitrite, starch and casein hydrolysis, growth in presence of lysozyme and 2 % NaCl, citrate utilization, growth pH from 6.0 to 8.0, and acid and indole production from glucose and tryptophan, respectively. The whole-genome phylogenetic relationship showed that TE3T formed an individual clade with Bacillus tequilensis KCTC 13622T, distant from that generated by all Bacillus subtilis subspecies. The maximum values for average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization were 93.85 and 54.30 %, respectively, related to Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum KCTC 13429T. Analysis of its fatty acid content showed the ability of strain TE3T to bio-synthetize fatty acids that are not present in closely related Bacillus species, such as C12 : 0, C12 : 0 2OH, C12 : 0 3OH, C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3OH and C18 : 1ω9c. These results provide evidence that strain TE3T is a novel species of the genus Bacillus , for which the name Bacillus cabrialesii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Bacillus cabrialesii is TE3T (CM-CNRG TB54T=CCStamb A1T).

A recent publication has documented the fact that when the nomenclatural types of the genera Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018 [ Hungateiclostridium thermocellum (Viljoen et al. 1926) Zhang et al. 2018], Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980 ( Acetivibrio cellulolyticus Patel et al. 1980) and Herbivorax Koeck et al. 2016 ( Herbivorax saccincola Koeck et al. 2016) are treated as being members of the same genus, i.e. Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018, Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980 and Herbivorax Koeck et al. 2016 are treated as heterotypic synonyms, the name at the rank of genus to be used is Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980 and Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018 is an illegitimate name. In a previous publication this led to the replacement of the genus name Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018 in the combinations Hungateiclostridium aldrichii (Yang et al. 1990) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium alkalicellulosi (Zhilina et al. 2006) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium clariflavum (Shiratori et al. 2009) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium straminisolvens (Kato et al. 2004) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium saccincola (Koeck et al. 2016) Zhang et al. 2018, Hungateiclostridium cellulolyticus (Patel et al. 1980) Zhang et al. 2018 and Hungateiclostridium thermocellum (Viljoen et al. 1926) Zhang et al. 2018. Given the fact that the name Hungateiclostridium Zhang et al. 2018 is illegitimate, Hungateiclostridium mesophilum Rettenmaier et al. 2019 must follow the same fate as other members of the genus and the illegitimate genus name replaced by the genus name Acetivibrio Patel et al. 1980, creating the combination Acetivibrio mesophilus (Rettenmaier et al. 2019).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic, coccus-shaped bacterium, designated S14-83T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain is a novel member of the genus Deinococcus , with Deinococcus alpinitundrae as its closest relative (96.1 % similarity). The DNA G+C content of the strain was 61.1 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was MK-8. Major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. As well as containing glycophospholipid, aminophospholipids and glycolipid as major polar lipids, there were also some unknown polar lipids. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ornithine, corroborating the assignment of the strain to the genus Deinococcus . Strain S14-83T was shown to be extremely resistant to gamma radiation (>10 kGy) and UV light (460 Jm−2). On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, strain S14-83T represents a novel species of the genus Deinococcus , for which the name Deinococcus psychrotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S14-83T (=CCTCC AB 2015449T= DSM 105285 T).

A novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, gray-pigmented bacterial strain, designated L-25–5 w-1T, was isolated from the water at Baiyang Lake, PR China. Cells of strain L-25–5 w-1T were motile, with a single polar flagellum. L-25–5 w-1T was able to grow at 15–37 °C (optimum 37 °C) and pH 5–8 (optimum pH 6) in R2A medium. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis of L-25–5 w-1T showed the highest relationship to Azospirillum doebereinerae GSF71T (97.9 %), Azospirillum thiophilum DSM 21654T (97.9 %) and Azospirillum agricola CC-HIH038T (97.0 %), with other species of the genus Azospirillum showing less than 97 % sequence similarity. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified aminolipids; the major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C16 : 0 3-OH, C18 : 1 2-OH, iso-C18 : 0, summed feature 2 (C12 : 0 aldehyde and/or unknown 10.9525 and/or iso-C16 : 1I and/or C14 : 0 3-OH), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c); and the major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10. The draft genome size of L-25–5 w-1T was 5.8 Mbp, and the DNA G+C content was 66.6 %. The average nucleotide identity value and digital DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness value between L-25–5 w-1T and related type strains were 80.2 and 24.7 % with A. doebereinerae GSF71T and 78.8 and 23.6 % with A. thiophilum DSM 21654T, respectively. According to the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic properties, strain L-25–5 w-1T represents a novel species in the genus Azospirillum , for which the name Azospirillum griseum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is L-25–5 w-1T (=CGMCC 1.13672T=KCTC 62777T).

Strain YZ-8T, isolated from soil sampled at Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica, was found to be a Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, oxidase- and catalase-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and aerobic bacterium. Strain YZ-8T grewoptimally at pH 7.0 and 20 °C. Tolerance to NaCl was up to 0.3 % (w/v) with optimum growth in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YZ-8T belonged to the family Sphingomonas . Strain YZ-8T showed the highest sequence similarities to Sphingomonas molluscorum KMM 3882T (94.4 %), Sphingomonas oligophenolica JCM 12082T (94.4 %), Sphingomonas gotjawalisoli SN6-9T (94.3 %) and Sphingomonas aquatica W1-2-1T (94.3 %). The predominant respiratory isoprenoid quinone and polyamine components were identified as ubiquinone Q-10 and sym-homospermidine, respectively. In addition, carotenoid were also found. The polar lipid profile of the strain YZ-8T was found to contain one phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, one diphosphatidylglycerol, one phosphatidylglycerol, two sphingophosphonolipids, one phosphatidylcholine and two unidentified alkali-stable lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 58.8 mol%. The main fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c; 35.4 %), summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 32.6 %) and C14 : 0 2-OH (7.7 %). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas , Sphingomonas paeninsulae sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain YZ-8T (=CCTCC AB 2017137T=LMG 31027T).

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic, catalase-negative and oxidase-positive bacterium, designated strain Sn-9-2T, was isolated from a cave soil sample collected from Tiandong cave, Guizhou Province, south-west PR China. Growth occurred at 15–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0) and with 0–1 % NaCl (w/v). The predominant respiration quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c or C18 : 1ω6c; 83.9 %) and C16 : 0 (5.8 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified polar lipids and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain Sn-9-2T was 67.5 mol%. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the nearest phylogenetic neighbours of strain Sn-9-2T (MF958452) were identified as Aquabacter spiritensis (FR733686) DSM 9035T (97.5 %), Xanthobacter autorophicus (jgi.1053054) DSM 432T (97.2 %) and Xanthobacter tagetidis ATCC 700314T RCTF01000015 (96.9 %). The average nucleotide identity values were 78.0, 77.4 and 77.6 % and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were 21.8, 22.0 and 18.8 % between strain Sn-9-2T and A. spiritensis DSM 9035T, X. autotrophicus DSM 432T and X. tagetidis DSM 11105T, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization data indicated that strain Sn-9-2T represented a novel genomic species. On the basis of the results of phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic data, physiological characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain Sn-9-2T should represent a novel species of the genus Aquabacter , for which the name Aquabacter cavernae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Sn-9-2T (=KCTC 62308T=CCTCC AB 2018270T).

A novel aerobic, Gram-negative bacterial strain, RR3-28T, was isolated from a seawater recirculating aquaculture system in Busan, Republic of Korea. Cells were rod-shaped, non-motile, oxidase-positive, catalase-negative and grew optimally at 25–30 °C, pH 8.5 and 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on the results of phylogenetic analysis, strain RR3-28T was most closely related to Zhengella mangrovi X9-2-2T within the family Phyllobacteriaceae with 95.97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c, 71.1 %) and 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c (14.4 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and unidentified aminolipids. The predominant quinone was ubiquinone Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 58.6 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain RR3-28T represents a novel genus and species belonging to the family Phyllobacteriaceae , for which the name Salaquimonas pukyongi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is RR3-28T (=KCTC 52649T=DSM 107947T).

Two Francisella -like bacteria, designated strains SYSU SYW-5T and SYSU SYW-6T, were isolated from coastal seawater sampled at Huizhou Double-Moon Bay, Guangdong Province, PR China. Cells were found to be Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming and of pleomorphic shape (coccobacilli or rod). Chemotaxonomic analysis of the plasma membrane revealed ubiquinone-8 as the respiratory quinone, and saturated branched-chain (anteiso-C15 : 0) and saturated straight-chain (C18 : 0) fatty acids as major components (>8 % of total fatty acid). The major polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol (cardiolipin), phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine, as well as an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified phospholipid in SYSU SYW-5T, and two unknown polar lipids in SYSU SYW-6T. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that SYSU SYW-5T had maximum similarity to Fastidiosibacter lacustris SYSU HZH-2T (93.4 %), while SYSU SYW-6Thad maximum similarity to Cysteiniphilum litorale SYSU D3-2T (97.5 %). Phylogenetic dendrograms based on 16S rRNA genes and 31 concatenated protein markers revealed that the two novel strains represent a distinct lineage within the family Fastidiosibacteraceae . The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between the two isolates and their related species were well below the threshold limit for species delineation (<89.2 and <35 %, respectively). Based on the above results, strain SYSU SYW-5T is proposed to be a novel species of a new genus with the name Facilibium subflavum gen. nov., sp. nov. (SYSU SYW-5T = DSM 103991T= KCTC 52556T), and strain SYSU SYW-6T is proposed to be a novel species of genus Cysteiniphilum with the name Cysteiniphilum halobium sp. nov. (SYSU SYW-6T=DSM 103992T=KCTC 52558T).

A comparative analysis of the two type strains of Pseudidiomarina maritima 908087T and Pseudidiomarina tainanensis PIN1T was performed to examine their taxonomic relationship. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of P. maritima 908087T shared a high similarity (99.8 %) with that of P. tainanensis PIN1T. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains formed a tight cluster within the genus Pseudidiomarina . Whole genomic comparison between the two strains revealed a digital DNA–DNA hybridization estimate of 75.8 % and an average nucleotide identity value of 97.3 %, strongly indicating that they represented a single species. In addition, the strains did not display any striking differences in their metabolic, physiological or chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, we propose that Pseudidiomarina maritima is a later heterotypic synonym of Pseudidiomarina tainanensis .

Two Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, white-pigmented and rod-shaped bacterial strains, 7MH5T and 4 M-K11T, were isolated from forest soil of Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Guangdong Province, PR China. Strain 7MH5T grew at 4–37 °C (optimum, 28–33 °C), pH 3.5–9.0 (pH 4.0–5.5) and in the presence of 0–3 % (w/v) NaCl (0–1.5 w/v); while strain 4 M-K11T grew at 4–42 °C (20–33 °C), pH 3.5–8.5 (pH 4.5–6.0) and in the presence of 0–2.5 % (w/v) NaCl (0–1.5 w/v). Strains 7MH5T and 4 M-K11T have the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.6 and 98.7 % to Paraburkholderia peleae PP52-1T, and 98.4 % between themselves. In the 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogram, strains 4 M-K11T and Paraburkholderia ferrariae NBRC 106233T formed a clade while 7MH5T were relatively distinct from other Paraburkholderia species. Based on the UBCG phylogenomic analysis, strains 7MH5T and 4 M-K11T formed a clade with Paraburkholderia oxyphila NBRC 105797T and Paraburkholderia sacchari LMG 19450T in the genus of Paraburkholderia . The DNA G+C contents of strains 7MH5T and 4 M-K11T were 64.2 and 64.3 %, respectively. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity values of strains 7MH5T, 4 M-K11T and closely related strains were in the ranges of 25.2–63.6 % and 81.0–95.5 %, respectively. The two strains had the same major respiratory quinone: ubiquinone-8. Strain 7MH5T had C16 : 0, C17 : 0cyclo, C19 : 0cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1  ω7c/C18 : 1  ω6c) as its major fatty acids, while strain 4 M-K11T had major fatty acids of C16 : 0, C17 : 0cyclo and summed feature 2 (iso-C16 : 1 I/C14 : 0−3OH). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses based on both 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequences, as well as chemotaxonomic data, strains 7MH5T and 4 M-K11T represent two novel species of the genus Paraburkholderia , for which the names Paraburkholderia pallida sp. nov. (type strain 7MH5T=GDMCC 1.1450T=KACC 19962T) and Paraburkholderia silviterrae sp. nov. (type strain 4 M-K11T=GDMCC 1.1284T=CGMCC 1.15450T=KACC 19961T=LMG 29217T) are proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated D20T, was isolated from the saline Lake Dai in Inner Mongolia, PR China. Growth of strain D20T occurred at 25–45 °C (optimum, 40 °C), pH 4.0–12.0 (optimum, 8.0) and with 0–3 % NaCl (w/v); (optimum, 0–1 %). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain D20T was most closely related to three Thauera species, Thaueraselenatis AXT, Thaueraaminoaromatica S2T and Thaueraaromatica K172T, with a similarity value of 96.2 %. The major respiratory quinone of strain D20T was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8), and the dominant fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c; 39.8 %), C16 : 0 (30.9 %) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c; 13.5 %). The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one aminophospholipid and five unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 67.2 mol% (data from the genome sequence). The estimated genome size was 3.7 Mb. The phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic differences between strain D20T and its phylogenetic relatives indicated that strain D20T should be regarded as a novel species in the genus Thauera , for which the name Thauera lacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D20T (=MCCC 1H00305T=KCTC 62586T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, short-rod-shaped and aerobic bacterial strain (designated lm1T) was isolated from propylene oxide saponification wastewater activated sludge obtained from a wastewater treatment facility in Binzhou (Shandong province, PR China). Strain lm1T grew between 15 and 45 °C (optimum, 40 °C). The pH range for growth was at pH 4.0–10.0 (optimum growth at pH 8.0). The range of NaCl concentration for the growth of strain lm1T was 0–4.0 % (w/v), with optimum growth at 1.0–2.0 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain lm1T belonged to the genus Rhodoligotrophos and was closely related to Rhodoligotrophos appendicifer JCM 16873T (96.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Rhodoligotrophos jinshengii CCTCC AB2013083T (96.2 %). The average nucleotide identity value and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain lm1T and R. appendicifer JCM 16873T were 73.4 and 14.3 %, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids of strain lm1T were C19 : 0cyclo ω8c, C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. Strain lm1T contained Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The polar lipid profile was composed of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and five unknown lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64.4 mol%. Based on polyphasic taxonomic data, strain lm1T could be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Rhodoligotrophos , for which the name Rhodoligotrophos defluvii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is lm1T (=CCTCC AB2019071T=KCTC 72156T).

Two Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic chemoheterotrophic, pink-coloured, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterial strains, PAMC 29128 and PAMC 29148T, were isolated from lichen. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains PAMC 29128 and PAMC 29148T belong to lichen-associated Rhizobiales -1 (LAR1), an uncultured phylogenetic lineage of the order Rhizobiales and the most closely related genera were Methylocapsa (<93.9 %) and Methylosinus (<93.8 %). The results of phylogenomic and genomic relatedness analyses also showed that strains PAMC 29128 and PAMC 29148T were clearly distinguished from other species in the order Rhizobiales with average nucleotide identity values of <71.4 % and genome-to-genome distance values of <22.7 %. Genomic analysis revealed that strains PAMC 29128 and PAMC 29148T did not contain genes involved in atmospheric nitrogen fixation or utilization of carbon compounds such as methane and methanol. Strains PAMC 29128 and PAMC 29148T were able to utilize certain monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols and other organic compounds as a sole carbon source. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c; 33.7–39.7 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c; 25.2–25.4 %) and C19 :0 cyclo ω8c (11.9–15.4 %). The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C contents of PAMC 29128 and PAMC 29148T were 63.0 and 63.1 mol%, respectively. Their distinct phylogenetic position and some physiological characteristics support the proposal of Lichenihabitans gen. nov., with the type species Lichenihabitans psoromatis sp. nov. (type strain, PAMC 29148T=KCCM 43293T=JCM 33311T). Lichenihabitantaceae fam. nov. is also proposed.

Strain TER-1T was isolated from water sampled from a rice paddy field in Taiwan. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped and formed pink-coloured colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25–30 °C, pH 6–7 and in the presence of 0.5 % NaCl. Strain TER-1T could grow on C1 compounds such as methanol, formic acid, methylamine and dimethylamine as sole carbon source, and carry methanol dehydrogenase gene, which supports its methylotrophic metabolism. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, methanol dehydrogenase gene sequence and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that strain TER-1T formed a phylogenetic lineage in the genus Methylobacterium . Strain TER-1T was most closely related to Methylobacterium isbiliense AR24T with 96.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Strain TER-1T showed 77.1–82.8 % average nucleotide identity and 16.4–20.2 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization identity with the strains of other Methylobacterium species. The major fatty acid of strain TER-1T was C18 : 1ω7c. The predominant hydroxy fatty acid was C18 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and two uncharacterized lipids. The only isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain TER-1T was 71.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain TER-1T should be classified in a novel species of the genus Methylobacterium , for which the name Methylobacterium oryzihabitans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TER-1T (=BCRC 81157T=LMG 30931T=KCTC 62864T).

This study describes the biochemical and phylogenetic characteristics of a Gram-negative strain, SNU WT1T, isolated from rainbow trout kidney. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that strain SNU WT1T was highly similar to Pseudomonas wadenswilerensis CCOS 864T and closely related to other Pseudomonas putida -related strains. Multilocus sequence analysis of concatenated partial gyrB, rpoB and rpoD sequences revealed that strain SNU WT1T was distinct from P. putida -related strains and formed a separate clade. The average nucleotide identity and Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator values were 90.19 and 41.7 %with its closest relative P. wadenswilerensis CCOS 864T; however, it was phenotypically distinct from CCOS 864T with respect to arginine dihydrolase, glucose fermentation, aesculin hydrolysis and N-acetyl-glucosamine assimilation. The major polar lipid of the strain was phosphatidylethanolamine and the major quinone was Q-9. The genome of strain SNU WT1T had 5 685 196 bp with a G+C content of 61.83 mol%. We describe a novel species of genus Pseudomonas , for which the name Pseudomonas tructae has been proposed, with SNU WT1T (=KCTC 72265=JCM 33436) as the type strain.

A novel bacterial strain, C3212T, was isolated from a marine alga collected from the sea shore of Yantai, China. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile, and oxidase- and catalase-positive. Growth was observed at 8–37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1.0–7.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 4.0 %). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). The polar lipids of strain C3212T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol (cardiolipin), phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c, and C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c. The DNA G+C content of strain C3212T was 44.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain was related most closely to Leucothrix pacifica XH122T, Leucothrix arctica IMCC 9719T and Leucothrix mucor DSM 2157T with similarities of 98.0, 97.5 and 94.3 %, respectively. Estimated DNA–DNA hybridization values were 14.2, 20.7 and 13.9 % between strain C3212T and L. pacifica XH122T, L. arctica IMCC 9719T and L. mucor DSM 2157T, respectively. Phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses revealed that strain C3212T represents a novel species of the genus Leucothrix , for which the name Leucothrix sargassi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C3212T (=MCCC 1K03600T=KCTC 72121T).

The symbioses between legumes and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia make the greatest contribution to the global nitrogen input via the process of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Bradyrhizobium stands out as the main genus nodulating basal Caesalpinioideae. We performed a polyphasic study with 11 strains isolated from root nodules of Chamaecristafasciculata, an annual multi-functional native legume of the USA. In the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny the strains were clustered in the Bradyrhizobium japonicum superclade. The results of analysis of the intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) indicated less than 89.9 % similarity to other Bradyrhizobium species. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) with four housekeeping genes (glnII, gyrB, recA and rpoB) confirmed the new group, sharing less than 95.2 % nucleotide identity with other species. The MLSA with 10 housekeeping genes (atpD, dnaK, gap, glnII, gltA, gyrB, pnp, recA, rpoB and thrC) indicated Bradyrhizobium daqingense as the closest species. Noteworthy, high genetic diversity among the strains was confirmed in the analyses of ITS, MLSA and BOX-PCR. Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were below the threshold of described Bradyrhizobium species, of 89.7 and 40 %, respectively. In the nifH and nodC phylogenies, the strains were grouped together, but with an indication of horizontal gene transfer, showing higher similarity to Bradyrhizobium arachidis and Bradyrhizobium forestalis. Other phenotypic, genotypic and symbiotic properties were evaluated, and the results altogether support the description of the CNPSo strains as representatives of the new species Bradyrhizobium frederickii sp. nov., with CNPSo 3426T (=USDA 10052T=U686T=CL 20T) as the type strain.

A Gram-reaction-negative, peach-brown-pigmented, slightly curved-rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile bacterium, designated GSA243-2T, was isolated from fresh water samples collected from the Chishui River flowing through Maotai, Guizhou, south-west PR China. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic traits were investigated. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Rhodoferax . The closest phylogenetic relative was Rhodoferax saidenbachensis ATCC BAA-1852T (98.35 %). The major fatty acids were C16: 0 and C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8 and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 3.67 Mbp and a G+C content of 61.17 mol%. Pairwise-determined whole genome average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values suggested that strain GSA243-2T represents a new species, for which we propose the name Rhodoferax bucti sp. nov. with the type strain GSA243-2T (=CGMCC 1.16288T=KCTC 62564T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain LAM9072T, was isolated from a sample of a sulfonylurea herbicide-degrading consortium enriched with saline soil. The optimal temperature and pH for the growth of strain LAM9072T were 35 °C and 7.0, respectively. Strain LAM9072T could grow in the presence of NaCl up to 9 % (w/v). Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain LAM9072T was closely related to members of the family Vibrionaceae , with the highest similarities to Photobacterium halotolerans MACL01T (97.7 %) and Photobacterium galatheae S2753T (97.7 %). Strain LAM9072T formed a distinct phylogenetic subclade within the genus Photobacterium in the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic trees. The results of multi-locus sequence analysis revealed a distinct lineage with P. halotolerans MACL01T as its closest relative. The genomic G+C content was 50.2 mol%. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain LAM9072T and P. halotolerans LMG 22194T and P. galatheae LMG 28894T were 41.6 and 22.2 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values were 90.9 and 78.8 %, respectively, by comparing the draft genome sequences of strain LAM9072T and P. halotolerans LMG 22194T and P. galatheae LMG 28894T. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). Ubiquinone 8 was detected as the predominant respiratory quinone. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipid and four unidentified lipids. Based on its phenotypic characteristics and the results of genotypic analyses, we propose that strain LAM9072T represents a novel species, for which the name Photobacterium salinisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM9072T (=ACCC 19961T=JCM 30852T).

Three prokaryotic predator strains, BL9T, BL10 and BL28, were isolated with Vibrio alginolyticus from coastal seawater of PR China. Cells of the strains were Gram-negative, vibrioid-shaped and motile with a single sheathed flagellum (25–28 nm wide). Cells were around 0.3×0.5–1.0 µm in size. The three strains were obligate predators that exhibited a biphasic life cycle: a free-swimming attack phase and an intraperiplasmic growth phase within the prey. Bdelloplasts were formed. NaCl was required for growth. Optimum growth occurred at ~37 °C, with 2–4 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0–8.0. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the three strains shared 99.9 % similarity to each other, were affiliated with the genus Halobacteriovorax in the class Oligoflexia, and represented the same new species. Strain BL9T (=MCCC 1K03527T=JCM 32962T) was designated as the type strain. Genome sequencing of strain BL9T revealed a genome size of 3.14 Mb and a G+C content of 35.8 mol%. The estimated digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values and the whole genome average nucleotide identity (gANI) values between the genome of strain BL9T and those of Bdellovibrionales and Bacteriovoracales were 12.5–19 and 63.49–76.15 %, respectively. On the basis of life cycle features, results of physiological analyses, gANI data and dDDH data, strain BL9T represents a new species within the genus Halobacteriovorax , for which the name Halobacteriovorax vibrionivorans sp. nov. is proposed.

The species Serratia marcescens currently comprises two subspecies, viz. Serratia marcescens subsp. marcescens and Serratia marcescens subsp. sakuensis . The latter species was created by considering the differentiating endospore-formation capability of isolate KREDT. A member of the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Enterobacteriaceae for the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes conducted a re-examination of S. marcescens KREDT and failed to detect its endospore-forming capability, thereby questioning the validity of S. marcescens subsp. sakuensis as a separate subspecies. Nevertheless, the taxonomic allocation of S. marcescens subsp. sakuensis has been followed till date. To obtain clarity for taxonomic allocation based on genome-based analysis, we sequenced the genome of type strain S. marcescens subsp. sakuensis KREDT=DSM 17174T and carried out the analyses recommended to define the subspecies. As a result, DSM 17174T does not satisfy the genomic criteria for defining a subspecies: i.e. does not form a distinguishable clade by overall genomic related indexing and phylogenomic treeing. Also, there is currently no other rationale for separate recognition of this species. We propose the removal of the S. marcescens subsp. sakuensis designation to avoid further confusion in the literature.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated strain DSW4-44T, was isolated from deep-sea water from the East Sea of Korea. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 25 °C and pH 7.5. DSW4-44T grew with 1.0–6.0 % NaCl, having optimum growth at 3–4 %. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that DSW4-44T represented a member of the class Alphaproteobacteria and was most closely related to Pelagicola litoralis CL-ES2T and Pelagicola litorisediminis D1-W8T, with similarities of 96.5 and 95.6 %, respectively. The major fatty acid was summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The polar lipids of DSW4-44T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified lipids and three unidentified phospholipids. The isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content of DSW4-44T was 54.3 mol%. On the basis of evidence from a polyphasic study, strain DSW4-44T represent a novel species of the genus Pelagicola , for which the name Pelagicola marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DSW4-44T (=KCTC 62762T=KCCM 43261T=JCM 33637T).

During a study on the prevalence and diversity of members of the genus Campylobacte r in a shellfish-harvesting area and its catchment in Brittany, France, six urease-positive isolates of members of the genus Campylobacter were recovered from surface water samples, as well as three isolates from stools of humans displaying enteric infection in the same period. These strains were initially identified as members of the Campylobacter lari group by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and placed into a distinct group in the genus Campylobacter , following atpA gene sequence analysis based on whole-genome sequencing data. This taxonomic position was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, rpoB and hsp60 (groEL) loci, and an analysis of the core genome that provided an improved phylogenetic resolution. The average nucleotide identity between the representative strain CA656T (CCUG 73571T=CIP 111675T) and the type strain of the most closely related species Campylobacter ornithocola WBE38T was 88.5 %. The strains were found to be microaerobic and anaerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, Gram-stain-negative, spiral-shaped bacteria that exhibit catalase, oxidase and urease activities but not nitrate reduction. This study demonstrates clearly that the nine isolates represent a novel species within the C. lari group, for which the name Campylobacter armoricus is proposed. Here, we present phenotypic and morphological features of the nine strains and the description of their genome sequences. The proposed type strain CA656T has a 1.589 Mbp chromosome with a DNA G+C content of 28.5 mol% and encodes 1588 predicted coding sequences, 38 tRNAs, and 3 rRNA operons.

The Arxan–Chaihe volcanic field of the Da Hinggan mountains in north-East PR China hosts various typical crater lakes. In this study we performed a yeast diversity survey using water sampled from five crater lakes and a total of 122 yeast strains belonging to 33 species of 25 genera were isolated. Three strains, TFL1-L, TFL2B and ATC4C, were identified as three novel species belonging to the Tremellomycetes based on a multiple gene phylogeny and on the comparison of physiological data. A phylogenetic study employing the sequences of seven genes indicated that the new species were more related to three separated phylogenetic lineages of the Tremellomycetes and their closest relatives were Heterocephalacria arrabidensis, Phaeotremella skinneri and Solicoccozyma keelungensis. The divergence values of the D1/D2 domain of LSU sequences of strains TFL1-L, TFL2B and ATC4C from H. arrabidensis CBS 8678T, P. skinneri CBS 5029T and S. keelungensisSN-82T were 4.8，3.4，2.1 %， respectively. The divergence values of the sequences of ITS regions between strains TFL1-L, TFL2B and ATC4C and their close relatives (H. arrabidensis, P. skinneri and S. keelungensis) were 16.1, 5.9 and 8.1  %, respectively. Moreover, the three strains differed from their phylogenetic neighbours by the ability to grow on distinct carbon and nitrogen sources. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that these strains represent three novel species for which the names Heterocephalacria sinensis sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.5595), Phaeotremella lacus sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.5580) and Solicoccozyma aquatica sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.5574) are proposed.

The genus Verrucoconiothyrium was erected to accommodate Coniothyrium-like species with verruculose conidia. So far, it includes only four species, which have been found in association with plants, and very little is known about their distribution and host preferences. In this study, a Coniothyrium-like fungus isolated from sea water from the north of Portugal was characterised. Phylogenetic analysis, based on sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer and beta-tubulin loci, placed this fungus within the genus Verrucoconiothyrium but clearly distinct from the other known species. A novel species Verrucoconiothyrium ambiguumsp. nov. is described and illustrated. The taxonomic affiliation of the genus Verrucoconiothyrium at the family level was addressed through individual and combined gene genealogies. Our results show that the genus Verrucoconiothyrium is a member of the family Didymellaceae.