- Volume 70, Issue 8, 2020

A novel Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated CFH 91151T, was isolated from sediment collected from a saline lake in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, PR China. Cells of strain CFH 91151T were rod-or v-shaped, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and halotolerant. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain CFH 91151T was closely related to Isoptericola variabilis MX5T and Isoptericola nanjingensis H17T (98.7 and 98.4% sequence similarity, respectively). The strain grew at 4–45 °C, pH 5.0–9.0 and with 0–14.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were positive for catalase, nitrate was not used and H2S was not produced. Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (62.76 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (12.09 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (9.46 %). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified glycolipids. The menaquinone was MK-9 (H4). The genome size was 4.10 Mbp with a G+C content of 72.4 mol%. The average amino acid identity (ANI) and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) values between CFH 91151T and the other species of the genus Isoptericola were found to be low (ANIm <87.19 %, ANIb <84.38 % and DDH <29.30 %). Based on physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low ANI and DDH results, strain CFH 91151T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Isoptericola halalbus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 91151T (=DSM 105976T=KCTC 49061T).

Ten representative actinobacterial strains isolated from marine sediments collected worldwide were studied to determine their taxonomic status. The strains were previously identified as members of the genus Salinispora and shared >99 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the three currently recognized Salinispora species. Comparative genomic analyses resulted in the delineation of six new species based on average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values below 95 and 70 %, respectively. The species status of the six new groups was supported by a core-genome phylogeny reconstructed from 2106 orthologs detected in 118 publicly available Salinispora genomes. Chemotaxonomic and physiological studies were used to complete the phenotypic characterization of the strains. The fatty acid profiles contained the major components iso-C16 : 0, C15 : 0, iso-17 : 0 and anteiso C17 : 0. Galactose and xylose were common in all whole-sugar patterns but differences were found between the six groups of strains. Polar lipid compositions were also unique for each species. Distinguishable physiological and biochemical characteristics were also recorded. The names proposed are Salinispora cortesiana sp. nov., CNY-202T (=DSM 108615T=CECT 9739T); Salinispora fenicalii sp. nov., CNT-569T (=DSM 108614T=CECT 9740T); Salinispora goodfellowii sp. nov., CNY-666T (=DSM 108616T=CECT 9738T); Salinispora mooreana sp. nov., CNT-150T (=DSM 45549T=CECT 9741T); Salinispora oceanensis sp. nov., CNT-138T (=DSM 45547T=CECT 9742T); and Salinispora vitiensis sp. nov., CNT-148T (=DSM 45548T=CECT 9743T).

Four novel strains (592T, S592, MF47T and SMF47) were isolated from Tibetan antelopes (Pantholops hodgsonii) and plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae), respectively. The cells were aerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the four strains showed highest similarities to Aeromicrobium fastidiosum DSM 10552T (98.1, 98.6, 98.7 and 98.7 %, respectively), and the phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences indicated that strains 592T and MF47T represent two novel species. The four isolates produced acid from l-rhamnose, d-xylose and cellobiose, but were unable to reduce nitrate. The DNA G+C contents of strains 592T and MF47T were 70.3 and 69.8 mol%, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between strains 592T and MF47T was 32.6 %, lower than the threshold of 70 %, indicating they belong to different species. The four strains’ genomes displayed less than 24.6 % DNA–DNA relatedness with all available genomes of the genus Aeromicrobium in the NCBI database, including Aeromicrobium fastidiosum NBRC 14897T and Aeromicrobium ginsengisoli JCM 14732T. The major fatty acids of the four strains were C18 : 1  ω9c and C18 : 0 10-methyl, and the main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant respiratory quinones were MK-9(H4) and MK-8(H4). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. Based on these genotypic, phenotypic and biochemical analyses, it is proposed that the four unidentified bacteria be classified as two novel species, Aeromicrobium chenweiae sp. nov. and Aeromicrobium yanjiei sp. nov. The type strains are 592T (=CGMCC1.16526T=DSM 106289T) and MF47T (=CGMCC 1.17444T=JCM 33790T), respectively.

The filamentous actinomycete that produces the antibiotic GE23077 was isolated by the Lepetit Research Group from a soil sample collected in Thailand, and it was classified as a member of the genus Actinomadura on the basis of its morphology and cell-wall composition. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain formed a distinct monophyletic line within the genus Actinomadura, and it was most closely related to Actinomadura bangladeshensis DSM 45347T (99.31 % similarity) and Actinomadura mexicana DSM 44485T (98.94 %). The GE23077-producing strain formed an extensively branched, non-fragmented vegetative mycelium; no pseudosporangia were formed and the arthrospores were organized in slightly twisted chains. The cell wall contained meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid and the diagnostic sugar was madurose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H6), with minor amounts of MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H4). The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylinositol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0 and tuberculostearic acid (10-methyloctadecanoic acid), followed by minor amounts of C18:1ω9c, C16:1ω7c and 10-methylheptadecanoic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 71.77 mol%. Significant differences in the morphological, chemotaxonomic and biochemical data, and the low DNA–DNA relatedness between the GE23077-producing strain and closely related type strains clearly demonstrate that it represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura , for which the name Actinomadura lepetitiana sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NRRL B-65521T(=LMG 31258T=DSM 109019T).

A novel actinobacteria, isolate A7024T, was isolated from commercial hazelnut orchard soil sample which was collected at Duzce, West Black Sea region, Turkey. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to determine the status of this isolate. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed using the neighbour-joining algorithm based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that isolate A7024T was positioned within the members of the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence similarity (97.7 %) to Streptomyces cadmiisoli ZFG47T. The organism formed an extensively branched substrate and aerial hyphae which generated irregular rod-shaped spores with smooth-surfaces. The cell wall of strain A7024T contained ll-diaminopimelic. Glucose, mannose and ribose were detected as whole-cell sugars. Its polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, three unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified glycolipids. Major menaquinones were MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H4). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Strain A7024T had a genome size of 9.0 Mb with a genome G+C content of 71.5 mol%. The low level of 16S rRNA gene similarity, 19.3 ± 2.3% digital DNA–DNA hybridization and 76.94 % average nucleotide identity values, as well as some different phenotypic characteristics allowed the strain to be distinguished from the closely related type strains. Therefore, it is concluded that strain A7024T represents a novel species of the genus of Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces coryli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A7024T (=DSM 42066T=KCTC 29102T=NRRL B-24888T).

A halophilic archaeon, strain H22T, was isolated from a subterranean salt deposit sampled at Yunnan salt mine, PR China. Colonies of strain H22T were light pink-pigmented. Cells were coccus, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, and did not lyse in distilled water. The strain was aerobic and grew at 20–55 °C (optimum, 37 °C), in the presence of 10–30 % (w/v) NaCl (20 %) and at pH 6.5–9.0 (pH 7.0). Mg2+ was required for growth (optimum, 0.005 M). Major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and sulfated mannosyl-glucosyl-glycerol diether-1. Sequence similarity search based on the multiple 16S rRNA genes (rrnA, rrnB and rrnC) of strain H22T revealed that it was most closely related to species of the genera Haloarchaeobius , Haladaptatus , Halorussus and Halorubellus with relative low sequence similarities (91.9–93.7 %). The strain, however, shared highest rpoB′ gene sequence identities with Halorussus rarus TBN4T (90.8 % rpoB′ gene sequence similarity). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA and rpoB′ gene sequences revealed a robust lineage of the strain H22T with members of related genera of the family Halobacteriaceae . The DNA G+C content of strain H22T was 62.9 mol%. Genome-based analysis of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) between strains H22T and its closest relative were equal or lower than 77.7 and 22.4 %, respectively, which were far below the threshold for delineation of a new species. Based on ANI values, in silico DDH, and distinct morphological and physiological differences from the previously described taxa, we suggest that strain H22T represents a novel species of a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae , for which the name Halomicrococcus hydrotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H22T (=CGMCC 1.16291T=NBRC 113231T).

The genus Chryseobacterium in the family Weeksellaceae is known to be polyphyletic. Amino acid identity (AAI) values were calculated from whole-genome sequences of species of the genus Chryseobacterium, and their distribution was found to be multi-modal. These naturally-occurring non-continuities were leveraged to standardise genus assignment of these species. We speculate that this multi-modal distribution is a consequence of loss of biodiversity during major extinction events, leading to the concept that a bacterial genus corresponds to a set of species that diversified since the Permian extinction. Transfer of nine species ( Chryseobacterium arachidiradicis , Chryseobacterium bovis, Chryseobacterium caeni, Chryseobacterium hispanicum, Chryseobacterium hominis, Chryseobacterium hungaricum,, Chryseobacterium pallidum and Chryseobacterium zeae ) to the genus Epilithonimonas and eleven ( Chryseobacterium anthropi , Chryseobacterium antarcticum , Chryseobacterium carnis , Chryseobacterium chaponense , Chryseobacterium haifense, Chryseobacterium jeonii, Chryseobacterium montanum , Chryseobacterium palustre , Chryseobacterium solincola , Chryseobacterium treverense and Chryseobacterium yonginense ) to the genus Kaistella is proposed. Two novel species are described: Kaistella daneshvariae sp. nov. and Epilithonimonas vandammei sp. nov. Evidence is presented to support the assignment of Planobacterium taklimakanense to a genus apart from Chryseobacterium, to which Planobacterium salipaludis comb nov. also belongs. The novel genus Halpernia is proposed, to contain the type species Halpernia frigidisoli comb. nov., along with Halpernia humi comb. nov., and Halpernia marina comb. nov.

An alkali lignin-degrading, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated BM_7T, was isolated from mangrove sediment of the supralittoral zone in the Jiulong river estuary, PR China. The cells of strain BM_7T were 0.4–0.6 µm wide and 1.0–8.5 µm long. Oxidase and catalase activities were positive. Strain BM_7T could grow at 10–37 °C (optimum, 25–28 °C), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0.5–6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BM_7T belonged to the genus Mangrovibacterium of the family Prolixibacteraceae . It showed the highest similarity to Mangrovibacterium diazotrophicum JCM 19152T (96.8 %), followed by Mangrovibacterium marinum KCTC 42253T (96.1%). The values of average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization were calculated as 76.9, 24.3 and 76.1, 17.4 % between strain BM_7T with M. diazotrophicum JCM 19152T and M. marinum KCTC 42253T, respectively. The major respiratory quinone of strain BM_7T was MK-7. The polar lipids were detected as phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified aminolipids. The dominant fatty acids consisted of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C15 : 1  ω6c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C17 : 1  ω6c, C17 : 0 3-OH and C17 : 0. The genome size of strain BM_7T is 5.6 Mb, with G+C content of 43.4 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain BM_7T was considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mangrovibacterium , and the name Mangrovibacterium lignilyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BM_7T (=MCCC 1A15882T=KCTC 72696T).

A yellowish-brown-coloured bacterium, designated strain JGD-17T, was isolated from a tidal flat of Janggu-do, Garorim bay, Taean-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and long-rod-shaped. Growth was observed at 20–45 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C), at pH 6.0–10.0 (9.0) and with 1–5 % (w/v) NaCl (1–3 %). Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain JGD-17T was closely related to Muricauda nanhaiensis SM1704T (96.1 %), Muricauda olearia CL-SS4T (95.0 %), Muricauda beolgyonensis BB-My12T (94.9 %), Muricauda marina H19-56T (94.7 %) and Muricauda indica 3PC125-7T (94.5 %). The ranges of values for the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization analyses with related strains were 71.3–74.1 % and 16.9–18.2 %. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis using the neighbour-joining method showed that strain JGD-17T formed a clade with Muricauda nanhaiensis SM1704T, Muricauda lutaonensis CC-HSB-11T, Muricauda lutea CSW06T and Muricauda pacifica SM027T. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (26.9 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (19.5 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (12.7 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JGD-17T represents a novel species within the genus Muricauda , for which the name Muricauda ochracea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JGD-17T (=KCTC 72732T=KACC 21486T=JCM 33817T).

A Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated CAU 1491T, was isolated from seawater and its taxonomic position was examined using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain CAU 1491T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 7.5 and in 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of CAU 1491T showed that it formed a distinct lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae as a separate deep branch, with 97.0 % or lower sequence similarity to representatives of the genera Lacinutrix , Gaetbulibacter and Aquibacter . The major cellular fatty acids of strain CAU 1491T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3. The polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid. The strain contained MK-6 as the sole respiratory quinone. Genome sequencing revealed that strain CAU 1491T has a genome size of 3.13 Mbp and a G+C content of 32.4 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data, strain CAU 1491T represents a new genus and species in the family Flavobacteriaceae for which the name Pontimicrobium aquaticum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Pontimicrobium aquaticum is CAU 1491T (=KCTC 72003T=NBRC 113695T).

The Gram-stain-negative, orange-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated TP-CH-4T, was isolated from a seamount near the Yap Trench in the tropical western Pacific. The optimal growth conditions were determined to be at pH 7–8, 25–30 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 1 (composed of C13 : 03-OH and/or iso-C15 : 1H). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain TP-CH-4T was a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae and formed a distinct lineage. Strain TP-CH-4T displayed highest sequence similarities to Pseudozobellia thermophila KMM 3531T (95.1 %) and Flagellimonas flava A11T (93.9 %). Genome sequencing revealed the strain TP-CH-4T has a genome size of 4.5 Mbp and a G+C content of 44.5 mol%. Collectively, based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic evidence, strain TP-CH-4T represents a novel species of a novel genus of the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Pelagihabitans pacificus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Pelagihabitans pacificus is TP-CH-4T (=CGMCC 1.17120T=KCTC 72434T).

A strain of an obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative rod-shaped bacterium is described by phenotypical, biochemical and genotypical characterization. This strain A2879T was isolated from an abscess swab of a patient sampled during routine care at hospital. Phylogenetic analyses (full-length 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequence) revealed the strain to belong to the genus Prevotella , but to be distant from recognized species, with the closest relationship to Prevotella veroralis . Unambiguous identification also proved possible by MALDI-TOF MS. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.5 mol%. Strain A2879T 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 data, strain A2879T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Prevotella , for which the name Prevotella vespertina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A2879T (=DSM 108027T=CCOS 1233T=CCUG72808T). As this strain has been isolated from a clinical sample, it is considered relevant for human medicine and health in general, and in particular for the fields of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. This description will enable routine and research laboratories alike to easily identify the novel taxon, allowing its role in the context of human health and disease or microbiota to be further elucidated.

Three strains, designated as LB1R34T, LB3P52T and ZT4R6T, were isolated from glaciers located on the Tibetan Plateau, PR China. The strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and yellow. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences indicated that they were related to the members of the genus Flavobacterium . The 16S rRNA gene sequences similarities between the three strains were 92.31–96.93 %. The average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between these three strains and their closest relatives were 76.80–91.33 % and 21.3–44.2 %, respectively. LB1R34T, LB3P52T and ZT4R6T contained MK-6 as the major menaquinone, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine was present in their polar lipids profiles. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics, he results of phylogenetic analysis and genotypic data, three novel species, Flavobacterium restrictum sp. nov. (type strain=LB1 R34T=CGMCC 1.11493T=NBRC 113650T), Flavobacterium rhamnosiphilum sp. nov. (type strain=LB3 P52T=CGMCC 1.11446T=NBRC 113776T) and Flavobacterium zepuense sp. nov. (type strain=ZT4 R6T=CGMCC 1.11919T=NBRC 113653T) are proposed.

Two bacterial strains, 50A-KIRBAT and 50C-KIRBAT, were isolated from the same freshwater creek located near Salzburg, Austria. They showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Aquirufa nivalisilvae of 100 and 99.9 %, respectively. A genome-based phylogenetic reconstruction with amino acid sequences of 119 single-copy genes suggested that the new strains represent two new species of the genus Aquirufa . Pairwise calculated whole-genome average nucleotide identity (gANI) values ranging from 85.4 to 87.5 % confirmed this conclusion. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic traits were investigated. Like strains of other Aquirufa species, 50A-KIRBAT and 50C-KIRBAT grew aerobically and chemoorganotrophically, were rod-shaped, red-pigmented and motile, most likely by gliding. They could be distinguished by slight differences in the chemotaxonomic features. We propose to establish for strain 50A-KIRBAT (=CIP 111735T=LMG 31080T) as type strain the name Aquirufa ecclesiirivi and for strain 50C-KIRBAT (=CIP 111736T=LMG 31501T) as type strain the name Aquirufa beregesia. Furthermore, the relationship between the type strains of Aquirufa nivalisilvae (59G-WUEMPELT) and Allopseudarcicella aquatilis (HME7025T) was investigated. Results of polyphasic analyses, especially a gANI value of 97.6 %, as well as the genome-based phylogenetic reconstruction, suggested that Allopseudarcicella aquatilis is a heterotypic synonym of Aquirufa nivalisilvae . According to rule 24b of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes we propose to classify strain HME7025 as Aquirufa nivalisilvae and provide an emended description for the latter.

Two Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic and non-motile bacteria, strains R11T and S1162T, were isolated from soil in the Republic of Korea. Both strains were catalase- and oxidase-positive and contained menaquinone-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone. Strain R11T contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), iso-C15:0, C16:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH as major fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified aminolipid as major polar lipids; while strain S1162T contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, C16:0 and summed feature 9 (10-methyl C16:0 and/or iso-C17:1 ω9c) as major fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophospholipid as major polar lipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains R11T and S1162T calculated from their whole genomes were 42.7 and 42.9 mol%, respectively. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain R11T formed a phylogenetic lineage with Mucilaginibacter jinjuensis YC7004T and strain S1162T formed a distinct phyletic lineage from closely related type strains within the genus Mucilaginibacter . Strains R11T and S1162T were most closely related to M. jinjuensis YC7004T and Mucilaginibacter panaciglaebae BXN5-31T with 97.78 and 97.23% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular analysis, strains R11T and S1162T represent two novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter , for which the names Mucilaginibacter agri sp. nov. and Mucilaginibacter humi sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strains of M. agri and M. humi are R11T (=KACC 21228T=JCM 33472T) and S1162T (=KACC 21669T=JCM 33916T), respectively.

An anaerobic bacterial strain, named TLL-A4T, was isolated from fecal pellets of conventionally raised C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that the strain belongs to the phylum Bacteroidetes and, more specifically, to the recently proposed Muribaculaceae (also known as S24-7 clade or Candidatus Homeothermaceae). Strain TLL-A4T’s 16S rRNA gene shared 92.8 % sequence identity with the type strain of the only published species of the genus Muribaculum , Muribaculum intestinale DSM 28989T. Genome-sequencing of TLL-A4T was performed to compare average amino acid identity (AAI) value and percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) between both strains. The AAI analysis revealed that strain TLL-A4T had high identity (69.8 %) with M. intestinale DSM 28989T, while the POCP was 56 %. These values indicate that strain TLL-A4T could be considered a member of the genus Muribaculum but not belonging to the species M. intestinale . Quinone analysis indicated MK10 (63 %) and MK11 (32 %) as major quinones in the membrane, while MK9 was only present as a minor component (5 %). The main cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0 (42.8 %); summed feature 11 (17.5 %), C15 : 0 iso (13.4 %), C18 : 1 ω9c (5.6 %), C16.0 3-OH (4.5 %) and C15 : 0 (4.2 %) were detected in minor amounts. Analysis of enzyme activities using the API 32A and API 20A kits indicated major differences between strain TLL-A4T and Muribaculum intestinale DSM 28989T. Based on genotypic, phylogenetic and phenotypic differences, strain TLL-A4T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Muribaculum , for which the name Muribaculum gordoncarteri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TLL-A4T (=DSM 108194T=KCTC 15770T).

Strain HMF4947T, isolated from the bark of a ginkgo tree, was a pale-pink coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium. The isolate grew optimally on Reasoner's 2A agar at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and with 0 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMF4947T belonged to the genus Hymenobacter and was most closely related to Hymenobacter metalli A2-91T (96.9 % sequence similarity) and Hymenobacter pomorum 9-2-1-1T (96.5 %). The average nucleotide identity and estimated DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain HMF4947T and Hymenobacter arizonensis DSM 17870T were 74.3 and 20.5 %, respectively. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1  ω7c and/or C16 : 1  ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1  ω5c. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminoglycolipid, three unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid, three unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified glycolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 59.3 mol%. Thus, based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain HMF4947T represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter , for which the name Hymenobacter ginkgonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is strain HMF4947T (=KCTC 72780T=NBRC 114271T).

A strictly anaerobic predominant bacterium, designated as strain gm001T, was isolated from a freshly voided faecal sample collected from a healthy Taiwanese adult. Cells were Gram-stain-negative rods, non-motile and non-spore-forming. Strain gm001T was identified as a member of the genus Prevotella , and a comparison of 16S rRNA and hsp60 gene sequences revealed sequence similarities of 98.5 and 93.3 %, respectively, demonstrating that it was most closely related to the type strain of Prevotella copri . Phylogenomic tree analysis indicated that the gm001T cluster is an independent lineage of P. copri DSM 18205T. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA‒DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain gm001T and P. copri DSM 18205T were 80.9, 28.6 and 83.8 %, respectively, which were clearly lower than the species delineation thresholds. The species-specific genes of this novel species were also identified on the basis of pan-genomic analysis. The predominant menaquinones were MK-11 and MK-12, and the predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Acetate and succinate were produced from glucose as metabolic end products. Taken together, the results indicate that strain gm001T represents a novel species of the genus Prevotella , for which the name Prevotella hominis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is gm001T (=BCRC 81118T=JCM 33280T).

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, O9T, was isolated from a forest soil sample collected at Dai, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, PR China. Strain O9T grew optimally at pH 7.0, at 28‒30 °C and in the absence of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed strain O9T within the genus Chitinophaga of the family Chitinophagaceae, with Chitinophaga terrae KP01T (97.8 %), Chitinophaga jiangningensis JN53T (97.7 %), Chitinophaga niastensis JS16-4T (97.4 %), Chitinophaga qingshengii JN246T (97.3 %) and Chitinophaga dinghuensis DHOC24T (97.3 %) as its closest relatives. Strain O9T hydrolysed casein, gelatin and Tween 80. It could not assimilate l-arabinose, l-rhamnose, sucrose, melibiose, gentiobiose or d-fructose as a carbon source. It was negative for esterase lipase (C8) and β-glucosidase. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the predominant polar lipid. The major respiratory quinone of strain O9T was MK-7. Its major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 (34.2 %), C16:1 ω5c (20.9 %) and iso-C17:0 3-OH (12.6 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain O9T was 49.0 mol% based on total genome calculations. The average nucleotide identity score between the genomic sequence of strain O9T and that of Chitinophaga terrae KP01T was 72.9%. The Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator showed that DNA‒DNA hybridization values for strain O9T and Chitinophaga terrae KP01T were 13.6, 21.1 and 14.4%, respectively. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain O9T represents a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga , for which the name Chitinophaga solisilvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is O9T (=CGMCC 1.12462T=KCTC 32404T).

A marine bacterial strain, designated GM2-18T, was isolated from mangrove sediment sampled at Luoyang River estuary, Quanzhou, PR China. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, slightly curved long rod-shaped and facultatively anaerobic with no flagellum. Catalase activity was found to be weak-positive and oxidase-positive. It had no ability to degrade or hydrolyse substrates including skimmed milk, cellulose, starch and Tweens (40, 60 and 80). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain GM2-18T had maximum similarity values to ‘ Draconibacterium filum ’ F2T, Draconibacterium sediminis JN14CK-3T and Draconibacterium orientale FH5T of 98.0, 97.8 and 97.4 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain GM2-18T was affiliated to the genus Draconibacterium and formed a clade with an uncultured bacterium clone identified from mangrove environment. Average nucleotide identity values and DNA–DNA hybridization estimates of strain GM2-18T compared to its Draconibacterium relatives strongly supported that it belonged to a new species. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7. The major fatty acids (>10 %) consisted of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C17 : 1  ω6c. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, a phospholipid and several unidentified lipids. The genomic size of strain GM2-18T was 5.9 Mb and the G+C content was 40.8 mol%. Gene prediction and annotation of strain GM2-18T indicated that there was a nitrogen-fixing gene cluster encoding nitrogenase molybdenum-iron protein and related proteins responsible for nitrogen fixation. Based on the above characteristics, strain GM2-18T represents a novel species within the genus Draconibacterium . Thus, Draconibacterium mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed with type strain GM2-18T (=MCCC 1K04382T=KCTC 72879T), isolated from mangrove sediment.

Two strains of lactic acid bacteria, designated Hs20B0-1T and Hs30E4-3T, were isolated from the gut of the damp-wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti. These strains were characterized genetically and phenotypically. Strain Hs20B0-1T was related to Lactococcus piscium DSM 6634T showing 96.3 and 84.2 % sequence similarity in 16S rRNA gene and rpoB gene sequences, respectively. Strain Hs30E4-3T was related to Lactococcus plantarum DSM 20686T showing 94.8 and 82.2 % sequence similarity in 16S rRNA gene and rpoB gene sequences, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains Hs20B0-1T and Hs30E4-3T was 95.7 %. Furthermore, genomic comparisons using pairwise average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) analyses between strain Hs20B0-1T and L. piscium DSM 6634T resulted in values of 73.5 and 20.1 %, respectively. Strain Hs30E4-3T had 72.8 % ANI similarity and 21.3 % DDH similarity to L. plantarum DSM 20686T. Strains Hs20B0-1T and Hs30E4-3T had 75.4 % ANI similarity and 21.1 % DDH similarity to each other. The cell-wall peptidoglycan types of strains Hs20B0-1T and Hs30E4-3T were A4α, Lys-Asp and A3α, Lys–Thr–Ala, respectively. The two strains, Hs20B0-1T and Hs30E4-3T, are distinguishable from each other and other established Lactococcus species phylogenetically and phenotypically. In conclusion, two novel species of the genus Lactococcus are proposed, namely Lactococcus insecticola Hs20B0-1T (=JCM 33485T=DSM 110147T) and Lactococcus hodotermopsidis Hs30E4-3T (=JCM 33486T=DSM 110148T), respectively.

Six Staphylococcus strains were isolated from healthy black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome, 16S rRNA, dnaJ, hsp60, rpoB and sodA genes, and MALDI-TOF-MS main spectral profiles revealed that the strains belonged to one species and showed the closest relatedness to members of the ‘ Staphylococcus intermedius group’ (SIG), which include Staphylococcus intermedius , Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus delphini and Staphyloccoccus cornubiensis. The strains were positive in SIG-specific and negative in individual species-specific PCR assays for the nuc gene. The strains can be differentiated from the other SIG species by the absence of sucrose fermentation, from S. intermedius DSM 20373T, S. pseudintermedius CCUG 49543T and S. cornubiensis DSM 105366T by the absence of methyl β-d-glucopyranoside fermentation and from S. delphini DSM 20771T by fermentation of trehalose. DNA relatedness of the type strain MI 10-1553T with the type strains of S. delphini , S. pseudintermedius , S. intermedius and S. cornubiensis was ≤48.2 % by digital DNA–DNA hybridization and ≤92.3 % by average nucleotide identity calculations. Iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 were the most common fatty acids. Polar lipids consisted of phosphadidylglycerols, phospholipids, glycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol and aminophospholipid. Cell-wall peptidoglycan was of type A3α l-Lys-Gly3 (Ser; similar to A11.2 and A11.3). The respiratory quinone belonged to menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The G+C content of MI 10-1553T was 39.3 mol%. The isolated strains represent a novel species of the genus Staphylococcus , for which we propose the name Staphylococcus ursi sp. nov. The type strain is MI 10-1553T (=ATCC TSD-55T=CCOS 1900T).

An obligately alkaliphilic, anaerobic, proteolytic bacterium was isolated from a sample of Tanatar III soda lake sediment (Altai region, Russia) and designated as strain Z-1701T. Cells of strain Z-1701T were short, straight, motile Gram-stain-positive rods. Growth of Z-1701T obligately depended on the presence of sodium carbonate. Strain Z-1701T could utilize various peptides mixtures, such as beef and yeast extracts, peptone, soytone, trypticase and tryptone, as well as such proteins as albumin, gelatin and sodium caseinate. It was able to grow oligotrophically with 0.02 g l−1 yeast extract as the sole energy and carbon source. Carbohydrates did not support the growth of strain Z-1701T. The main products released during the growth of strain Z-1701T on tryptone were formate, acetate and ammonium. Strain Z-1701T was able to reduce ferrihydrite, Fe(III)-EDTA, anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate and elemental sulfur, using proteinaceous substrates as electron donors. In all cases the presence of the electron acceptor in the medium stimulated growth. The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 aldehyde, iso-C15 : 1 ω6, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 aldehyde, C16 : 0 aldehyde and C14 : 0. The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 43.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated alignment of 120 protein-marker sequences revealed that strain Z-1701T falls into a cluster with the genus Tindallia , family Clostridiaceae . 16S rRNA gene sequence identity between strain Z-1701T and Tindallia species were 88.3–89.75 %. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic position, the novel isolate is considered to be a representative of a novel genus and species for which the name Isachenkonia alkalipeptolytica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with Z-1701T (=JCM 32929Т=DSM 109060Т=VKM B-3261Т) as its type strain.

Three strains of a Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative, facultative anaerobic, and coccoid species were isolated from German bulk tank milk. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the three strains (WS4937T, WS4759 and WS5303) constitute an independent phylogenetic lineage within the family Aerococcaceae with Facklamia hominis CCUG 36813T (93.7–94.1 %) and Eremococcus coleocola M1831/95/2T (93.5 %) as most closely related type species. The unclassified strains demonstrated variable growth with 6.5 % (w/v) NaCl and tolerated pH 6.5–9.5. Growth was observed from 12 to 39 °C. Their cell-wall peptidoglycan belongs to the A1α type (l-Lys-direct) consisting of alanine, glutamic acid and lysine. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 1 ω9c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω9c and in the polar lipids profile three glycolipids, a phospholipid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid and diphosphatidylglycerol were found. The G+C content of strain WS4937T was 37.4 mol% with a genome size of ~3.0 Mb. Based on phylogenetic, phylogenomic and biochemical characterizations, the isolates can be demarcated from all other genera of the family Aerococcaceae and, therefore, the novel genus Fundicoccus gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of the novel genus is Fundicoccus ignavus gen. nov., sp. nov. WS4937T (=DSM 109652T=LMG 31441T).

A novel, obligately anaerobic bacterium (strain SURF-ANA1T) was isolated from deep continental subsurface fluids at a depth of 1500 m below surface in the former Homestake Gold Mine (now Sanford Underground Research Facility, in Lead, South Dakota, USA). Cells of strain SURF-ANA1T were Gram-negative, helical, non-spore-forming and were 0.25–0.55×5.0–75.0 µm with a wavelength of 0.5–0.62 µm. Strain SURF-ANA1T grew at 15–50 °C (optimally at 40 °C), at pH 4.8–9.0 (pH 7.2) and in 1.0–40.0 g l−1 NaCl (10 g l−1 NaCl). The strain grew chemoheterotrophically with hydrogen or mono-, di- and polysaccharides as electron donors. The major cellular fatty acids in order of decreasing abundance (comprising >5% of total) were 10-methyl C16:0, iso-C15:0, C18:2 and C18:0 dimethyl acetal (DMA) and C20:0 methylene-nonadecanoic acid. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain SURF-ANA1T indicated a closest relationship with the recently characterized Rectinema cohabitans (99%). Despite high sequence identity, because of its distinct physiology, morphology and fatty acid profile, strain SURF-ANA1T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Rectinema , for which the name Rectinema subterraneum sp. nov. is proposed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an isolate within the phylum Spirochaetes from the deep (>100 m) terrestrial subsurface. The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession numbers for the 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences of strain SURF-ANA1T are KU359248 and GCF 009768935.1, respectively. The type strain of Rectinema subterraneum is SURF-ANA1T (=ATCC TSD-67=JCM 32656).

Anaerobic, fermentative, halotolerant bacteria, strains 4-11T and 585, were isolated from production water of two low-temperature petroleum reservoirs (Russia) and were characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of the strains were spherical, non-motile and 0.30–2.5 µm in diameter. Strain 4-11T grew optimally at 35 °C, pH 6.0 and 1.0–2.0% (w/v) NaCl. Both strains grew chemoorganotrophically with mono-, di- and trisaccharides. The major cellular fatty acids of both strains were C14:0, C16:0, C16:1 ω9 and C18:0 3-OH. Major polar lipids were glycolipids and phospholipids. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains 4-11T and 585 had 99.9% similarity and were most closely related to the sequence of Sphaerochaeta associata GLS2T (96.9, and 97.0% similarity, respectively). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strains 4-11T and 585 were 46.8 and 46.9%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the genomes of strain 4-11T and S. associata GLS2T were 73.0 and 16.9%, respectively. Results of phylogenomic metrics analysis of the genomes and 120 core proteins of strains 4-11T and 585 and their physiological and biochemical characteristics confirmed that the strains represented a novel species of the genus Sphaerochaeta , for which the name Sphaerochaeta halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 4-11T (=VKM B-3269T=KCTC 15833T). Based on the results of phylogenetic analysis, Sphaerochaeta coccoides was reclassified as member of a new genus Parasphaerochaeta gen. nov., Parasphaerochaeta coccoides comb. nov. The genera Sphaerochaeta and Parasphaerochaeta form a separate clade, for which a novel family, Sphaerochaetaceae fam. nov., is proposed.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, straight or curved rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, strictly aerobic, motile bacterium with a single polar flagellum, designated D3211T, was isolated from marine alga collected at the seashore of Yantai, PR China. The organism grew optimally at 24 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain D3211T contained ubiquinone 8 as the major respiratory quinone and C16 : 1  ω7c and/or C16 : 1  ω6c, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 1 B and/or iso-C17 : 1 I as the major fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids of strain D3211T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content of strain D3211T was 39.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain was related most closely to Paraglaciecola arctica BSs20135T, Paraglaciecola aestuariivivens JDTF-33T, Paraglaciecola aquimarina KCTC 32108T, Paraglaciecola mesophila DSM 15026T, Paraglaciecola psychrophila JCM 13954T and Paraglaciecola polaris ARK 150T with 97.6, 97.6, 97.5, 97.4, 97.3 and 97.1 % sequence similarities, respectively. Calculated average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNAhybridization values between strain D3211T and its phylogenetically related Paraglaciecola species were in the range 70.2–73.4 % and 19.1–20.4 %, respectively. On the basis of polyphasic analyses, strain D3211T represents a novel species of the genus Paraglaciecola , for which the name Paraglaciecola marina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D3211T (=KCTC 72122T=MCCC 1K03603T).

The genus Dickeya is an important group of plant pathogens that currently comprises 10 recognized species. Although most Dickeya isolates originated from infected cultivated plants, they are also isolated from water. The genomic sequence of the Australian strain NCPPB 569T clearly established its separation from the previously characterized Dickeya species. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values obtained by comparing strain NCPPB 569T with strains of characterized Dickeya species were lower than 87 and 32 %, respectively, supporting the delineation of a new species. The name Dickeya poaceiphila sp. nov. is proposed for this taxon with the type strain NCPPB 569T (=CFBP 8731T). Two other strains isolated in Australia, CFBP 1537 and CFBP 2040, also belong to this species. Phenotypic and genomic comparisons enabled the identification of traits distinguishing D. poaceiphila isolates from strains of other Dickeya species.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile by peritrichous flagella, oval to rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain 2CG4T, was isolated from a deep-sea water sample collected from the Northwest Indian Ocean. The results of phylogenetic analysis of both 16S rRNA gene and RpoC protein sequences indicated that this strain was affiliated with the genus Halovulum in the Amaricoccus clade of the family Rhodobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria , sharing 95.3 % similarity at the 16S rRNA gene sequence level with the type strain of Halovulum dunhuangense YYQ-30T, the only species in the genus Halovulum . The predominant fatty acids (>10 %) of 2CG4T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/ or C18 : 1ω6c; 61.1 %) and cyclo-C19 : 0ω8c (15.6 %). The polar lipids of 2CG4T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol. The only isoprenoid quinone of 2CG4T was ubiquinone-10. The DNA G+C content of 2CG4T was determined to be 69.4 %. The central gene pufLM for the photosynthetic reaction was not detected. No growth occurred for 2CG4T in the absence of NaCl. On the basis of these data, it is concluded that the 2CG4T represents a novel species of the genus Halovulum , for which the name Halovulum marinum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2CG4T (=CGMCC 1.16468T=JCM 32611T).

A Gram-staining-negative bacterium, designated 345S023T, was isolated from a sea water sample from the Indian Ocean. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that 345S023T represents a member of the genus Alteromonas , with closely related type strains Alteromonas fortis 1T (98.7 %), Alteromonas hispanica F-32T (98.6 %) and Alteromonas genovensis LMG 24078T (98.6 %). Up-to-date bacterial core gene set analysis revealed that 345S023T formed a phyletic lineage with Alteromonas australica H 17T. The case for 345S023T representing a novel species was supported by genomic results. Pairwise in silico DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values were much lower than the proposed and generally accepted species boundaries. Strain 345S023T contains ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid quinone, summed featured 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c as the dominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %), and phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipids. The genome of strain 345S023T consisted of a 4.4 Mb chromosome with a DNA G+C content of 44.4 %. On the basis of these genomic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose a novel species: Alteromonas profundi sp. nov. The type strain is 345S023T(=JCM 33893T=MCCC 1K04570T).

The taxonomic status of six strains of Acinetobacter obtained from meat samples, collected from supermarkets in Porto, Portugal, was investigated using polyphasic analysis. Partial rpoB sequence similarities lower than 95 % to other Acinetobacter species with validly published names led to the hypothesis that these strains represented novel species. This was confirmed based on comparative multilocus sequence analysis, which included the gyrB, recA and 16S rRNA genes, revealing that these strains represented two coherent lineages that were distinct from each other and from all known species. The names Acinetobacter portensis sp. nov. (comprising four strains) and Acinetobacter guerrae sp. nov. (comprising two strains) are proposed for these novel species. The species status of these two groups was confirmed by low (below 95 %) whole-genome sequence average nucleotide identity values and low (below 70 %) digital DNA–DNA hybridization similarities between the whole-genome sequences of the proposed type strains of each novel species and the representatives of the known Acinetobacter species. Phylogenomic treeing from core genome analysis supported these results. The coherence of each new species lineage was supported by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry differentiation of the species at the protein level, by cellular fatty acid profiles, and by unique and differential combinations of metabolic and physiological properties shared by each novel species. The type strain of A. portensis sp. nov. is AC 877T (=CCUG 68672T=CCM 8789T) and the type strain of A. guerrae sp. nov. is AC 1271T (=CCUG 68674T=CCM 8791T).

Gram-negative, aerobic, chemo-organotrophic and bacteriochlorophyll a-containing bacterial strains, KEBCLARHB70RT, KAMCLST3051 and KAMCLST3152, were isolated from the thalli of Cladonia arbuscula and Cladonia stellaris lichens. Cells from the strains were coccoid and reproduced by binary division. They were motile at the early stages of growth and utilized sugars and alcohols. All strains were psychrophilic and acidophilic, capable of growth between pH 3.5 and 7.5 (optimum, pH 5.5), and at 4–30 °C (optimum, 10–15 °C). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1  ω7c and C18 : 0; the lipids were phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylglycerol, glycolipids, diphosphatidylglycerol and polar lipids with an unknown structure. The quinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content was 67.8 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene analysis together with other data, supported that the strains, KEBCLARHB70RT, KAMCLST3051 and KAMCLST3152 belonged to the same species. Whole genome analysis of the strain KEBCLARHB70RT and average amino acid identity values confirmed its distinctive phylogenetic position within the family Acetobacteraceae . Phenotypic, ecological and genomic characteristics distinguished strains KEBCLARHB70RT, KAMCLST3051 and KAMCLST3152 from all genera in the family Acetobacteraceae . Therefore, we propose a novel genus and a novel species, Lichenicoccus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov., for these novel Acetobacteraceae members. Strain KEBCLARHB70RT (=KCTC 72321T=VKM B-3305T) has been designated as the type strain.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, gliding and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated strain C33T, was isolated from Yuncheng Salt Lake, Shanxi, PR China. Strain C33T grows optimally at 37 °C, pH 7.5 and 5.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells of strain C33T are 0.3–0.5 µm wide and 1.0–2.0 µm long, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. The major cellular fatty acids are iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The sole respiratory quinone is Q-8. The major polar lipids include phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified lipids. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicate that strain C33T has the highest similarities to Wenzhouxiangella marina KCTC 42284T (97.4 %), Wenzhouxiangella sediminis XDB06T (96.5 %) and ‘Wenzhouxiangella salilacus’ MCCC 1K03442T (95.2 %). The percentage of conserved proteins and average amino acid identity values between strain C33T and its close related species are higher than the threshold for dividing genera, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values are well below the threshold limits for species delineation. The genomic DNA G+C content is 63.7 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain C33T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Wenzhouxiangella , for which the name Wenzhouxiangella limi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C33T (=MCCC 1H00413T=KCTC 72874T).

The genus Bradyrhizobium is considered as the probable ancestor lineage of all rhizobia, broadly spread in a variety of ecosystems and with remarkable diversity. A polyphasic study was performed to characterize and clarify the taxonomic position of eight bradyrhizobial strains isolated from indigenous legumes to Western Australia. As expected for the genus, the 16S rRNA gene sequences were highly conserved, but the results of multilocus sequence analysis with four housekeeping genes (dnaK, glnII, gyrB and recA) confirmed three new distinct clades including the following strains: (1) WSM 1744T, WSM 1736 and WSM 1737; (2) WSM 1791T and WSM 1742; and (3) WSM 1741T, WSM 1735 and WSM 1790. The highest ANI values of the three groups in relation to the closest type strains were 92.4, 92.3 and 93.3 %, respectively, below the threshold of species circumscription. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization analysis also confirmed new species descriptions, with less than 52 % relatedness with the closest type strains. The phylogeny of the symbiotic gene nodC clustered the eight strains into the symbiovar retamae, together with seven Bradyrhizobium type strains, sharing from 94.2–98.1 % nucleotide identity (NI), and less than 88.7 % NI with other related strains and symbiovars. Morpho-physiological, phylogenetics, genomic and symbiotic traits were determined for the new groups and our data support the description of three new species, Bradyrhizobium archetypum sp. nov., Bradyrhizobium australiense sp. nov. and Bradyrhizobium murdochi sp. nov., with WSM 1744T (=CNPSo 4013T=LMG 31646T), WSM 1791T (=CNPSo 4014T=LMG 31647T) and WSM 1741T (=CNPSo 4020T=LMG 31651T) designated as type strains, respectively.

Novel aerobic, restricted facultatively methylotrophic bacteria were isolated from buds of English oak (Quercus robur L.; strain DubT) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.; strain KrD). The isolates were Gram-negative, asporogenous, motile short rods that multiplied by binary fisson. They utilized methanol, methylamine and a few polycarbon compounds as carbon and energy sources. Optimal growth occurred at 25 °C and pH 7.5. The dominant phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phoshatidylglycerol. The major cellular fatty acids of cells were C18 : 1 ω7c, 11-methyl C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The major ubiquinone was Q-10. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains were closely related to the members of the genus Hansschlegelia : Hansschlegelia zhihuaiae S113T(97.5–98.0 %), Hansschlegelia plantiphila S1T (97.4–97.6 %) and Hansschlegelia beijingensis PG04T(97.0–97.2 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains DubT and KrD was 99.7 %, and the DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) result between the strains was 85 %. The ANI and the DDH values between strain DubT and H. zhihuaiae S113T were 80.1 and 21.5  %, respectively. Genome sequencing of the strain DubT revealed a genome size of 3.57 Mbp and a G+C content of 67.0 mol%. Based on the results of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic analyses, it is proposed that the isolates be assigned to the genus Hansschlegelia as Hansschlegelia quercus sp. nov. with the type strain DubT (=VKM B-3284T=CCUG 73648T=JCM 33463T).

A novel non-phototrophic member of the genus Rhodoferax was obtained from freshwater. The purpose of this study was to analyse the genome of a nonphototrophic strain and propose a new species based on its phylogenetic, genomic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences supports that the strain, designated Gr-4T, has a close relationship to the genus Rhodoferax . The observed average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain Gr-4T and its closest related strains were 72.3–74.6 % and 21.9–22.8 %, respectively. These values were much lower than the species separation thresholds for ANI or dDDH of 95–96 and 70 %, respectively, and in fact fall in the intergeneric range. Strain Gr-4T does not contain RuBisCO-related genes, but does contain GS/GOGAT pathway-related genes enabling nitrate ammonification. A polyphasic study and a genomic-level investigation were done to establish the taxonomic status of strain Gr-4T. Based on the phylogenetic, genomic and physiological differences, it is proposed that the isolate be classified to the genus Rhodoferax as Rhodoferax aquaticus sp. nov. with isolate Gr-4T (=KCTC 32394T=JCM 19166T) as the type strain.

Strain MEBiC09520T, which was isolated from a tidal sediment in Incheon, Korea, is a pale yellow, rod-shaped bacterium, cells of which are 0.4–0.5 µm in width and 1.5–2 µm in length. Strain MEBiC09520T shared 95.17 and 92.57% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Emcibacter nanhaiensis and E. congregatus , respectively. It grew optimally at pH 6.0, at 55 °C and with 2.5–3.5% (w/v) NaCl. Its polar lipid components included phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), an unidentified phospholipid (PL), three unidentified aminolipids (ALs) and two unidentified lipids (L). The fatty acids C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C14:0 2-OH and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c) were predominantly present in its cell wall. Strain MEBiC09520T was thermophilic, while E. nanhaiensis and E. congregatus were mesophilic. Although E. nanhaiensis showed no nitrate reduction activity, MEBiC09520T and E. congregatus showed a positive reaction. These strains differed in carbohydrate utilization. In particular, E. congregatus was able to thrive on various carbohydrate substrates as compared to the other strains. The average nucleotide identity value was 69.92% between strain MEBiC09520T and E. congregatus ZYLT, 70.38% between E. congregatus ZYLT and E. nanhaiensis HTCJW17T, and 72.83% between strain MEBiC09520 and E. nanhaiensis HTCJW17T. Considering these differences, strain MEBiC09520T (=KCCM 43320T=MCCC 1K03920T) is suggested to represent and novel species of a new genus, Luteithermobacter gelatinilyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., and E. congregatus should be reclassified as Paremcibacter congregatus gen. nov., comb. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated PAMC 28131T, was isolated from a sea surface microlayer sample in the open water of the Pacific Ocean. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain PAMC 28131T revealed an affiliation to the genus Sandaracinobacter with the closest species Sandaracinobacter sibiricus RB16-17T (sequence similarity of 98.2 %). Strain PAMC 28131T was able to grow optimally with 0.5–1.0 % NaCl and at pH 6.5–7.0 and 30 °C. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were C18 : 1  ω6c and/or C18 : 1  ω7c, (42.6 %), C17 : 1  ω6c (19.3 %) and C16 : 1  ω6c and/or C16 : 1  ω7c (15.8 %), and the respiratory quinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content was 65.3 mol%. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data showed that strain PAMC 28131T could be clearly distinguished from S. sibiricus RB16-17T. Thus, strain PAMC 28131T should be classified as representing a novel species in the genus Sandaracinobacter , for which the name Sandaracinobacter neustonicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PAMC 28131T (=KCCM 43127T=JCM 30734T).

Five Gram-stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped and motile strains (FT50WT, FT80WT, FT92WT, FT94W and FT135WT) were isolated from a subtropical stream in PR China. Comparisons based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains FT50WT, FT94W and FT135WT take strain Duganella sacchari Sac-22T, and strains FT80WT and FT92WT take strain Duganella ginsengisoli DCY83T as their closest neighbour in the phylogenetic trees, respectively. The G+C contents of strains FT50WT, FT80WT, FT92WT, FT94W and FT135WT were 63.3, 62.4, 62.8, 63.8 and 60.8 %, respectively. The reconstructed phylogenomic tree based on concatenated 92 core genes showed that strains FT50WT, FT80WT, FT94W and FT135WT clustered together with species of the genus Duganella , but strains FT92WT and D. ginsengisoli KCTC 42409T were located in the clades of the genus Massilia . The calculated pairwise average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values among strains FT50WT, FT80WT, FT92WT, FT94W, FT135WT and related strains were in the ranges of 75.6–87.8% and 20.3–33.8% except that the values between strains FT50WT and FT94W were 98.7 and 89.2%, respectively. The respiratory quinone of these five strains was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1  ω7c, C16 : 0, C18 : 1  ω7c and C12 : 0. The polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified phospholipid. Considering the distinct phylogenetic relationships of D. ginsengisoli with species of the genus Massilia in the phylogenomic tree, it was reasonable to transfer D. ginsengisoli to the genus Massilia as Massilia ginsengisoli comb. nov. Combining the results of phylogenomic analysis, ANI and dDDH data, and a range of physiological and biochemical characteristics together, strains FT50WT and FT94W should belong to the same species and be assigned to genus Duganella with strains FT80WT and FT135WT together, and strain FT92WT should be assigned to the genus Massilia , for which the names Duganella lactea sp. nov. (type strain FT50WT=GDMCC 1.1674T=KACC 21466T), Duganella guangzhouensis sp. nov. (FT80WT=GDMCC 1.1678T=KACC 21470T), Duganella flavida sp. nov. (FT135WT=GDMCC 1.1745T=KACC 21659T) and Massilia rivuli sp. nov. (FT92WT=GDMCC 1.1682T=KACC 21474T) are proposed.

Two bacterial strains, designated B2N2-7T and B2N2-12, were isolated from Buteha crater lake in the Greater Khingan Mountain of China. The two strains were Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, motile with a single polar flagellum, short rod-shaped bacteria. They were catalase- and oxidase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 20–25 ℃, at pH 7.5–8.0 and with 0–1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on phylogenomic analysis, strains B2N2-7T and B2N2-12 were assigned to the family Neisseriaceae , and their 16S rRNA gene sequences showed the highest similarities to that of Aquitalea denitrificans 5YN1-3T (<94.2 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two unidentified aminophospholipids (APL) and some unidentified lipids (L). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain B2N2-7T was 59.4 mol% according to the genomic sequencing result. Based on the phylogenetic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, the two strains are proposed to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Neisseriaceae , named Craterilacuibacter sinensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Craterilacuibacter sinensis is B2N2-7T (=CGMCC 1.17189T=KCTC 73735T); B2N2-12 (=CGMCC 1.17190=KCTC 72734) is a second strain of the species.

Four new yeast species belonging to the genus Apiotrichum and two new yeast species belonging to Cutaneotrichosporon are described for strains isolated from guano samples from bat-inhabited caves in Japan. In 2005, we reported these isolates as Trichosporon species based on sequence analyses of the D1/D2 domain of large subunit (LSU) rRNA genes according to available basidiomycetous yeast classification criteria; however, to date, they have not been officially published as new species with descriptions. Their phylogenetic positions have been reanalysed based on comparison of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences (including the 5.8S rRNA gene) and the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene with those of known species; we confirmed clear separation from previously described species. Physiological and biochemical properties of the isolates also suggest their distinctiveness. Therefore, we describe Apiotrichum akiyoshidainum (holotype JCM 12595T), Apiotrichum chiropterorum (JCM 12594T), Apiotrichum coprophilum (JCM 12596T), Apiotrichum otae (JCM 12593T), Cutaneotrichosporon cavernicola (JCM 12590T) and Cutaneotrichosporon middelhovenii (JCM 12592T) as new species. C. cavernicola showed particularly distinctive morphology including large inflated anomalous cells on the hyphae and germination from the cells, although clear clamp connections on the hyphae were not confirmed. Further study is needed to elucidate the morph of this species.

Two yeast strains representing a novel species in the basidiomycetous yeast genus Naganishia were isolated from flowers of Sorbaria sorbifolia collected in Beijing Olympic Forest Park, PR China. Results of multi-gene phylogenetic analysis indicated that the two strains were closely related to the type strains of Naganishia bhutanensis (CBS 6294T) and Naganishia antarctica (CBS 7687T). However, the new isolates differed from N. bhutanensis CBS 6294T by 1.79 % sequence divergence in the D1/D2 domain (11 nt substitutions and three indels), and 2.42 % (15 nt differences and one indel) to N. antarctica CBS 7687T. In the ITS region, the new isolates showed 1.15 % divergence (7 nt substitutions and one indel) to N. bhutanensis CBS 6294T and 0.92 % divergence (5 nt substitutions and no indels) to N. antarctica CBS 7687T. A phylogenetic analysis employing the sequences of six genes (D1/D2 domain of large subunit rDNA, ITS, small subunit rDNA, two subunits of the RNA polymerase II and elongation factor-1α) indicated that the novel species belonged to the genus Naganishia and formed a well-supported clade with N. bhutanensis, N. antarctica and N. indica. Moreover, the two strains differed from their closest relatives by the ability to grow on distinct carbon and nitrogen sources and ability to grow at 30 °C. On the basis of these findings, we propose a novel species in the genus Naganishia (Filobasidiales), Naganishia floricola sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.5856).

Five yeast strains were isolated from soil and sediments collected from Alps and Apennines glaciers during sampling campaigns carried out in summer 2007 and 2017, respectively. Based on morphological and physiological tests and on phylogenetic analyses reconstructed with ITS and D1/D2 sequences, the five strains were considered to belong to two related but hitherto unknown species within the genus Mrakia, in an intermediate position between Mrakia cryoconiti and Mrakia arctica. The names Mrakia stelviica (holotype DBVPG 10734T) and Mrakia montana (holotype DBVPG 10736T) are proposed for the two novel species and a detailed description of their morphological, physiological and phylogenetic features are presented. Both species fermented glucose, sucrose and trehalose, which is an uncommon feature in basidiomycetous yeasts, and showed septate hyphae with teliospore formation.

Cyanobacterial strain PS4G was isolated from seepage soil sampled at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The results of morphological analysis showed that strain PS4G had unique morphological characteristics which were not observed in the other described species of the genus Fortiea. In the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis inferred using Bayesian inference, maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining methods, strain PS4G clustered within the clade consisting of the members of the genus Fortiea. Furthermore, in the secondary structure analysis using the D1–D1′ helix and BoxB regions of 16S–23S ITS, strain PS4G showed marked differences in comparison with other members of the genus Fortiea. Overall, the morphological, phylogenetic and folded 16S–23S ITS secondary structure examination indicated that strain PS4G represents a novel species of the genus Fortiea. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature of Algae, Fungi and Plants we describe a novel species of Fortiea with the name Fortiea necridiiformans sp. nov.

Leptographium panxianense and L. puerense are proposed as new taxa based on sequence data and morphological characters. The phylogenetic analyses based on ITS2-partial LSU rDNA region, β-tubulin and elongation factor 1-α genes showed that L. panxianense and L. puerense formed well-supported clades and were closely related to L. yunnanense, L. wushanense and L. conjunctum, and then nested within the L. lundbergii complex. The two species differ in their conidial size and shape. The conidia of L. panxianense are larger than those of L. puerense while the conidial shape of L. puerense is more ovovoid. The optimal growth temperature of both L. panxianense and L. puerense is at 20 °C, which is different from those of L. yunnanense, L. wushanense and L. conjunctum. Comparison of sequence data and morphological characters confirmed the placement of the two undescribed taxa in the genus of Leptographium.