- Volume 72, Issue 1, 2022

Novel thermophilic heterotrophic bacteria were isolated from the subsurface of the volcanic island Surtsey off the south coast of Iceland. The strains were isolated from tephra core and borehole fluid samples collected below 70 m depth. The Gram-negative bacteria were rod-shaped (0.3–0.4 µm wide, 1.5–7 µm long), aerobic, non-sporulating and non-motile. Optimal growth was observed at 70 °C, at pH 7–7.5 and with 1% NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis identified the strains as members of the genus Rhodothermus . The type strain, ISCAR-7401T, was genetically distinct from its closest relatives Rhodothermus marinus DSM 4252T and Rhodothermus profundi PRI 2902T based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (95.81 and 96.01%, respectively), genomic average nucleotide identity (73.73 and 72.61%, respectively) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (17.6 and 16.9%, respectively). The major fatty acids of ISCAR-7401T were iso-C17:0, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C15:0 (>10 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 while phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminophospholipid and a phospholipid were the predominant polar lipid components. Based on comparative chemotaxonomic, genomic and phylogenetic analyses, we propose that the isolated strain represents a novel species of the genus Rhodothermus with the name Rhodothermus bifroesti sp. nov. The type strain is ISCAR-7401T (=DSM 112103T=CIP 111906T).

An investigation of the diversity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase producing bacteria associated with camel faeces revealed the presence of a novel bacterial strain designated C459-1T. It was Gram-stain-negative, short-rod-shaped and non-motile. Strain C459-1T was observed to grow optimally at 35 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 0 % NaCl on Luria–Bertani agar medium. The cells were found to be positive for catalase and oxidase activities. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1  ω6c and/or C16 : 1  ω7c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, one sphingophospholipid, two unknown aminophospholipids, three unknown glycolipids and five unknown lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain C459-1T was affiliated with the genus Sphingobacterium and had the highest sequence similarity to Sphingobacterium tabacisoli h337T (97.0 %) and Sphingobacterium paucimobilis HER1398T (95.6 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain C459-1T and S. tabacisoli h337T were 83.8 and 33.8 %, respectively. Phenotypic characteristics including enzyme activities and carbon source utilization differentiated strain C459-1T from other Sphingobacterium species. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain C459-1T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium , for which the name Sphingobacterium faecale sp. nov. is proposed, with strain is C459-1T (CGMCC 1.18716T=KCTC 82381T) as the type strain.

An obligately anaerobic bacterial strain (WR041T) was isolated from a plant residue sample in a methanogenic reactor. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming rods. Prevotella paludivivens JCM 13650T was the closest species of the strain based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing (98.9 % similarity). Genome analysis of strain WR041T indicated that the genome size of the strain was 3.52 Mb and the genomic DNA G+C content was 37.5 mol%. Although the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain WR041T with the closest species was higher than the threshold value of the recommended species delineation (98.7 %), the average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between them were 91–92 and 45.5 %, respectively, suggesting that strain WR041T represents a novel species in the genus. Strain WR041T essentially required haemin and CO2/Na2CO3 for growth. The strain was saccharolytic and decomposed various polysaccharides (glucomannan, inulin, laminarin, pectin, starch and xylan) and produced acetate and succinate. The optimum growth conditions were 35 °C and pH 6.8. The major cellular fatty acids were branched-chain fatty acids such as anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Menaquinones MK-11 and MK-12 were the major respiratory quinones. Many protein-coding genes which were not found in the genome of P. paludivivens as orthologous genes were detected in the genome of strain WR041T. Based on the differences in the phylogenetic, genomic and physiological characteristics between strain WR041T and related species, the name Prevotella herbatica sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate strain WR041T (=NBRC 115134T = DSM 112534T).

Three novel, anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria were isolated from the eggshell of two separate white leghorn chicken flocks and the ileum of a healthy pig, and designated MMM721T, ISU324 and PIG517 respectively. Cells were pleomorphic and capable of forming long chains of rods or coccoid clusters. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences identified these strains to be within the genus Turicibacter , of which only one species, Turicibacter sanguinis , has been formally described. However, whole genome sequencing of novel isolates returned a digital DNA–DNA hybridization value of 22.5 % and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 76.4 % (ANIb) and 86.0 % (ANIm), indicating divergence between the type strain MMM721T and T. sanguinis , suggesting the strains represented a novel species. The major fatty acid methyl esters of strain MMM721T were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω7c and C18 : 0. The strains mainly produced the volatile fatty acid lactate, along with smaller amounts of acetate and butyrate. Together, these data indicate that MMM721T, along with ISU324 and PIG517, represent a novel species within the genus Turicibacter . We propose the name Turicibacter bilis sp. nov. for the species. The type strain is MMM721T (=ATCC TSD-238T=CCUG 74757T).

Thirteen Gram-positive, catalase-positive, rod-shaped single colonies were obtained after culturing a strawberry leaf on de Man–Rogosa–Sharpe agar. Based on 16S rRNA gene and rpoA gene sequence similarities, ranging between 99.0–100% and 96.5–100%, respectively, the 13 isolates were found to be closely related to each other. Two of the independent isolates, AMBP162T and AMBP252, were whole-genome sequenced, and showed to be undistinguishable with an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 100 %. Compared to the reference genomes for all species in the family Lactobacillaceae , the AMBP162T genome was most similar to the reference strain of Latilactobacillus curvatus with ANI of only 89.5 %, indicating they were a different species. Based on genotypic and phenotypic data, a novel Latilactobacillus species, Latilactobacillus fragifolii sp. nov., with the type strain AMBP162T (=LMG 32285T=CECT 30357T) is proposed.

Two recently reported bacterial strains that were identified as the dominant caproate-producing bacteria in pit clay, were further characterized to determine their phylogeny and taxonomy. The two strains, designated as LBM19010T and JNU-WLY1368, were short rod-shaped, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and strictly anaerobic. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains LBM19010T and JNU-WLY1368 shared a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.93 % and belonged to a recent proposed genus Caproicibacterium in the family Oscillospiraceae . The proposed type strain, LBM19010T, showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Caproicibacterium amylolyticum LBM18003T (96.34%), followed by Caproiciproducens galactitolivorans JCM 30532T (94.14 %). The pairwise average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values between strains LBM19010T and LBM18003T were 74.84 and 76.18 %, respectively. Growth of strain LBM19010T occurred at pH 4.5–7.5 (optimum, pH 5.0–5.5), 20–40 °C (optimum, 35 °C) and with 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Strains LBM19010T and JNU-WLY1368 were both able to ferment several hexoses, disaccharides, starch and lactate but not pentoses. Caproate and butyrate were the major end-products from glucose. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of strain LBM19010T were C16 : 0 (56.3 %), C14 : 0 DMA (19.5 %) and C14 : 0 (14.9 %). The identified polar lipids of strain LBM19010T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids and nine unidentified glycolipids. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic evidence, strains LBM19010T and JNU-WLY1368 belong to a novel species of the genus Caproicibacterium , for which the name Caproicibacterium lactatifermentans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LBM19010T (=GDMCC 1.1627T=JCM 33782T).

A nitrogen-fixing, endospore-forming, motile, rod-shaped, facultative aerobic bacterium, designated 81-11T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a peach tree collected from Handan, Hebei, PR China. From the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain is most closely related to Paenibacillus phoenicis DSM 27463T (96.9 %) and Paenibacillus faecis DSM 23593T (96.7 %). The genome size of strain 81-11T was 4.4 Mb, comprising 4879 predicted genes with a DNA G+C content of 50.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values of genome sequences between the novel isolate and the type strains of related species P. phoenicis DSM 27463T and P. faecis DSM 23593T were 71.8 and 72.1 %, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0(47.8 %), iso-C16 : 0 (15.5 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (13.0 %). Menaquinone-7 was the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, aminophospholipid, aminoglycopid, unknown polar lipids and unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid. Based on phylogenetic, genomic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 81-11T was classified as a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus caui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Paenibacillus caui is 81-11T (=JCM 34618T=CGMCC 1.18907T).

Seven novel independent strains of Mycoplasma species were isolated from northern elephant seals (ES2806-NAST, ES2806-GENT, ES3157-GEN-MYC and ES3225-GEN-MYC), a harbour porpoise (C264-GENT and C264-NAST), and a California sea lion (CSL7498). These strains were phenotypically and genetically characterized and compared to the known Mycoplasma species. Four strains (C264-GENT, C264-NAST, CSL7498 and ES2806-NAST) hydrolysed arginine but not urea and did not produce acid from carbohydrates. Strains ES2806-GENT, ES3157-GEN-MYC and ES3225-GEN-MYC did not produced acid from carbohydrates and did not hydrolyse arginine or urea; hence, it is assumed that organic acids are used as the energy source for them. All were isolated and propagated in ambient air supplemented with 5±1 % CO2 at +35–37 °C using either SP4 or PPLO medium. Colonies on solid medium showed a typical fried-egg appearance and transmission electron microscopy revealed a typical mycoplasma cellular morphology. The complete genomes were sequenced for all type strains. Average nucleotide and amino acid identity analyses showed that these novel strains were distant from the phylogenetically closely related Mycoplasma species. Based on these data, we propose four novel species of the genus Mycoplasma , for which the name Mycoplasma miroungirhinis sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain ES2806-NAST (=NCTC 14430T=DSM 110945T), Mycoplasma miroungigenitalium sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain ES2806-GENT (=NCTC 14429T=DSM 110944T) and representative strains ES3157-GEN-MYC and ES3225-GEN-MYC, Mycoplasma phocoenae sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain C264-GENT (=NCTC 14344T=DSM 110687T) and Mycoplasma phocoeninasale sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain C264-NAST (=NCTC 14343T=DSM 110688T) and representative strain CSL7498. The genome G+C contents are 24.06, 30.09, 28.49 and 29.05% and the complete genome sizes are 779 550, 815 486, 693 115, and 776 009 bp for strains ES2806-NAST, ES2806-GENT, C264-GENT and C264-NAST, respectively.

In this study, two bacterial strains designated F2608T and F1192T, isolated from marine sediment sampled in Weihai, PR China, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Strains were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative and motile. According to the results of phylogenetic analyses based on their 16S rRNA genes, these two strains should be classified under the genus Psychrobacter and they both show <98.5% sequence similarity to their closest relative, Psychrobacter celer JCM 12601T. Moreover, strain F2608T showed 97.5% sequence similarity to strain F1192T. Strain F2608T grew at 4–37 °C (optimum, 30–33 °C) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 6.5–7.0) in the presence of 0–12% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 4.0–5.0%). Strain F1192T grew at 4–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5) in the presence of 0.5–12% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3.0–4.0%). The genomic DNA G+C contents of strain F2608T and strain F1192T were 47.4 and 44.9 %, respectively. Genomic characteristics including average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values clearly separated strain F2608T from strain F1192T. The sole isoprenoid quinone in these two strains was ubiquinone 8 and the major cellular fatty acids (>10.0%) were C18:1 ω9c and C17:1 ω8c. The major polar lipids of these two strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol. Based on the results of polyphasic analysis, the two strains represent two novel species of the genus Psychrobacter , for which the names Psychrobacter halodurans sp. nov. and Psychrobacter coccoides sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are F2608T (=MCCC 1K05774T=KCTC 82766T) and F1192T (=MCCC 1K05775T=KCTC 82765T), respectively.

Bacteria isolated from onion bulbs suffering from bacterial decay in the United States and Norway were previously shown to belong to the genus Rahnella based on partial housekeeping gene sequences and/or fatty acid analysis. However, many strains could not be assigned to any existing Rahnella species. Additionally, strains isolated from creek water and oak as well as a strain with bioremediation properties were assigned to Rahnella based on partial housekeeping gene sequences. The taxonomic status of these 21 strains was investigated using multilocus sequence analysis, whole genome analyses, phenotypic assays and fatty acid analysis. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses separated the strains into five clusters, one of which corresponded to Rahnella aceris . The remaining four clusters could be differentiated both genotypically and phenotypically from each other and existing Rahnella species. Based on these results, we propose the description of four novel species: Rahnella perminowiae sp. nov. (type strain SL6T=LMG 32257T=DSM 112609T), Rahnella bonaserana sp. nov. (H11bT=LMG 32256T=DSM 112610T), Rahnella rivi sp. nov. (FC061912-KT=LMG 32259T=DSM 112611T) and Rahnella ecdela sp. nov. (FRB 231T=LMG 32255T=DSM 112612T).

Two bacterial strains, designated as SYSU D00720T and SYSU D00722, were isolated from a desert sandy soil sample collected from Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, oxidase-positive and catalase-negative. Colonies were circular, opaque, convex, smooth, orange on Reasoner’s 2A (R2A) agar. The isolates were found to grow at 4–45 °C (optimum, 28–30 °C), at pH 6.0–7.0 (optimum, 7.0) and with 0–1.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). Growth was observed on R2A agar, Luria–Bertani agar and nutrient agar, but not on trypticase soy agar. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, two unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid, one unidentified aminoglycolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids. The main fatty acids (>10%) were C17 : 1  ω6c, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1  ω7c and/or C18 : 1  ω6c) and C16 : 0. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major polyamine was sym-homospermidine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 66.0 mol%. Strains SYSU D00720T and SYSU D00722 were nearly identical with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.6 %, and 100.0 % average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values. Phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated that these two strains belonged to the same species of the genus Sphingomonas , and had highest sequence similarity to Sphingomonas lutea KCTC 23642T (97.3 %). The ANI, AAI and dDDH values of strains SYSU D00720T and SYSU D00722 to S. lutea KCTC 23642T were both 73.2, 69.9 and 19.2 %, respectively. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strains SYSU D00720T and SYSU D00722 represent a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas , for which the name Sphingomonas arenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU D00720T (=MCCC 1K05154T=NBRC 115061T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, short-rod-shaped strain that did not produce diffusible pigment, designated CBK3Z-3T, was isolated from a branch of Kandelia candel, collected from the Beilun Estuary National Nature Reserve in Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region, PR China, and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain CBK3Z-3T grew at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0), 20–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C) and with 0–10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBK3Z-3T was closely related to species of genus Stakelama and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.7 % to Stakelama pacifica CGMCC 1.7294T. The DNA G+C content value of strain CBK3Z-3T was 62.6 mol%. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid and the polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1  ω7c and C16 : 0. The average nucleotide identity, estimated digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain CBK3Z-3T and the type strain of Stakelama pacifica CGMCC 1.7294T were 80.4, 23.1 and 81.5 %, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain CBK3Z-3T should be designated as a novel species of the genus Stakelama , for which the name Stakelama flava sp.nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBK3Z-3T (=JCM 34534T=CGMCC 1.18972T).

A novel canavanine-degrading bacterium, strain HB002T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a catch crop field collected from the island of Reichenau in Konstanz, Germany, and characterized by using polyphasic taxonomy. The facultative aerobe, rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative bacterium was oxidase- and catalase-positive. The isolate was able to grow on canavanine as a sole carbon and nitrogen source. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed highest similarities to Pseudomonas bijieensis (L22-9T, 99.93 %), Pseudomonas brassicacearum subsp. neoaurantiaca (ATCC 49054T, 99.76 %), Pseudomonas brassicacearum subsp. brassicacearum (DBK 11T, 99.63 %), Pseudomonas thivervalensis (DSM 13194T, 99.51 %), Pseudomonas kilonensis (DSM 13647T, 99.39 %) and Pseudomonas corrugata (ATCC29736T, 99.39 %). Marker gene analysis placed the strain in the intrageneric group of Pseudomonas fluorescens , subgroup P. corrugata . In silico DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values were both under the recommended thresholds for species delineation. The predominant fatty acids of strain HB002T were C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo ω7c and C18 : 1 ω7c. The major respiratory quinone was Q9, followed by Q8 and minor components of Q7 and Q10. Results from the phenotypic characterization showd the strain's inability to hydrolyse gelatin and to assimilate N-acetyl glucosamide and a positive enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase and naphthol-AS-BI phosphohydrolase that distinguish this strain from closely related type strains. Taken together, these results show that strain HB002T represents a novel species in the genus Pseudomonas , for which the name Pseudomonas canavaninivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HB002T (=DSM 112525T=LMG 32336T).

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-flagellated, rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated MT13T and MT32, were isolated from sediment samples collected from the Mariana Trench at a depth of 8300 m. The two strains grew at −2–30 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 5.5–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.0) and with 0–15 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3–6 %). They did not reduce nitrate to nitrite nor hydrolyse Tweens 40 and 80, aesculin, casein, starch and DNA. The genomic G+C contents of draft genomes of strain MT13T and MT32 were 52.2 and 54.1 m ol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains MT13T and MT32 were affiliated with the genus Halomonas , with the highest similarity to the type strain of Halomonas olivaria . The values of average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization between strain MT13T and MT32, and between strain MT13T and five closely related type strains of Halomonas species indicated that strains MT13T and MT32 belonged to the same species, but represented a novel species in the genus of Halomonas . The major cellular fatty acids of strains MT13T and MT32 were C16 : 0, summed feature 3(C16 : 1  ω7c/ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1  ω7c/ω6c). Major polar lipids of strains MT13T and MT32 included phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol. Ubiquinone-9 was the predominant respiratory quinone. Based on data from the present polyphasic study, strains MT13T and MT32 represent a novel species of the genus Halomonas , for which the name Halomonas profundi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MT13T (=MCCC 1K06389T=KCTC 82923T).

A Gram-stain-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped, creamy white coloured bacterial strain, DMG-N-6T, was isolated from a water sample of Lake Fertő/Neusiedler See (Hungary). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain forms a distinct linage within the family Rhodobacteraceae . Its closest relatives are Tabrizicola alkalilacus DJCT (96.76% similarity) and Tabrizicola piscis K13M18T (96.76%), followed by Tabrizicola sediminis DRYC-M-16T (96.69 %), Rhodobacter sediminicola JA983T (96.62 %), Tabrizicola aquatica RCRI19T (96.47 %) and Cereibacter johrii JA192T (96.18 %). The novel bacterial strain favours an alkaline environment (pH 8.0-12.0) and grows optimally at 18–28°C in the presence of 2–4 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells of DMG-N-6T were motile by a single subpolar flagellum. Bacteriochlorophyll a was not detected. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The major cellular fatty acid was C18:1 ω7c. The polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified phospholipid and five unidentified lipids. The assembled draft genome of strain DMG-N-6T had 52 contigs with a total length of 4 219 778 bp and a G+C content of 64.3 mol%. Overall genome-related indices (ANI <77.8 %, AAI <69.0 %, dDDH <19.6 %) with respect to close relatives were all significantly below the corresponding threshold to demarcate bacterial genus and species. Strain DMG-N-6T (=DSM 108208T=NCAIM B.02645T) is strongly different from its closest relatives and is suggested as the type strain of a novel species of a new genus in the family Rhodobacteraceae , for which the name Szabonella alba gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

A novel bacterial strain, NIBR3T, was isolated from a Microcystis aeruginosa culture. Strain NIBR3T was characterized as Gram-negative, rod-shaped, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and aerobic. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NIBR3T was most closely related to Mesorhizobium carbonis B2.3T (=KCTC 52461), Mesorhizobium oceanicum B7T (=KCTC 42783) and Mesorhizobium qingshengii CCBAU 33460T (=HAMBI 3277), at 98.7, 97.2 and 97.2% similarity, respectively. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that three strains [strain NIBR3T with the previously reported two Mesorhizobium species ( M. carbonis B2.3T and M. oceanicum B7T)] formed a distinct cluster from other Mesorhizobium type strains. The average nucleotide identity of strain NIBR3T relative to M. carbonis B2.3T , M. oceanicum B7T, and M. qingshengii CCBAU 33460T was found to be 84.3, 79.4 and 75.8 %, with average amino-acid identities of 85.1, 74.8 and 64.3 %, and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of 27.6, 22.6 and 20.7 %, respectively. The genome size and genomic DNA G+C content of NIBR3T were 6.1 Mbp and 67.9 mol%, respectively. Growth of strain NIBR3T was observed at 23–45 °C (optimum, 33 °C), at pH 6–11 (optimum, 8) and in the presence of 0–4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The major polar lipids in this novel strain were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. Summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) was the most abundant cellular fatty acid in strain NIBR3T. Based on genotypic characteristics using our genomic data, strain NIBR3T was identified as a member of new genus, Aquibium gen. nov., with the two aforementioned stains. The type strain f the novel species, Aquibium microcysteis sp. nov., is NIBR3T (=KACC 22092T=HAMBI 3738T). We also reclassified Mesorhizobium carbonis and M. oceanicum as Aquibium carbonis comb. nov. and A. oceanicum comb. nov., respectively.

Seven yeast strains, representing a single novel anamorphic species, were isolated in Thailand. They consisted of five strains (DMKU-MRY16T, DMKU-SK18, DMKU-SK25, DMKU-SK30 and DMKU-SK32) obtained from five different mushrooms, and two strains (ST-224 and 11-14.2) derived from insect frass and soil, respectively. The pairwise sequence analysis indicated that all seven strains had identical sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Metahyphopichia silvanorum was the most closely related species, but with 11.9–12.4% nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 13.1–13.3% nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. The phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS region and the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene showed that the seven strains form a well-separated subclade in a clade containing M. silvanorum and Metahyphopichia laotica with high bootstrap support. A phylogenetic analysis of a multilocus dataset including the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the ITS region, the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene, actin gene and the RNA polymerase II subunit 2 gene, confirmed the presence of the monophyletic clade that also includes M. silvanorum and M. laotica, and strongly supported the phylogenetic isolation of the seven strains from its neighbouring species. Therefore, the seven strains were assigned as a single novel species of the genus Metahyphopichia, according to their phylogenetic relationships. The name Metahyphopichia suwanaadthiae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the seven strains. The holotype is DMKU-MRY16T (TBRC 11775T=NBRC 114386T=PYCC 8655T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 841280. In addition, Candida silvanorum is reassigned to the genus Metahyphopichia. The MycoBank number of M. silvanorum comb. nov. is MB 841279.

Strains SU22T (TBRC 14875T) and FLA11.5, representing a novel anamorphic yeast species, were respectively isolated from a fruiting body of a Coprinus species and an inflorescence of a Coffea species collected in Thailand. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions showed that the two strains differed by two nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and were identical in the ITS regions. Wickerhamiella drosophilae CBS 8459T was the most closely related species, but with 24–26 nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 24 nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions. A phylogenetic analysis, based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domains, indicated that the two strains represented a species in the genus Wickerhamiella which was distinct from other recognized species of the genus. Therefore, the two strains were assigned as a novel species, for which we propose the name Wickerhamiella nakhonpathomensis f.a. sp. nov. The holotype is TBRC 14875T (isotype PYCC 8914T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 840833.