Micromonospora jinlongensis sp. nov., isolated from muddy soil in China and emended description of the genus Micromonospora

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-GRX11^T, was isolated from muddy soil collected from a stream of Jinlong Mountain in Harbin, north China. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Micromonospora. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NEAU-GRX11^T showed highest similarity to Micromonospora zamorensis CR38^T (99.2 %), Micromonospora saelicesensis Lupac 09^T (99.0 %), Micromonospora chokoriensis 2-19/6^T (98.7 %), Micromonospora coxensis 2-30-b/28^T (98.5 %), Micromonospora aurantiaca ATCC 27029^T (98.4 %) and Micromonospora lupini lupac 14N^T (98.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and gyrB gene demonstrated that strain NEAU-GRX11^T was a member of the genus Micromonospora and supported the closest phylogenetic relationship to M. zamorensis CR38^T, M. saelicesensis Lupac 09^T, M. chokoriensis 2-19/6^T and M. lupini lupac 14N^T. A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that the novel strain could be readily distinguished from these closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that NEAU-GRX11^T represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora jinlongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-GRX11^T (=CGMCC 4.7103^T=DSM 45876^T).     

Micromonospora taraxaci sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinomycete isolated from dandelion root (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.)

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-P5^T, was isolated from dandelion root (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.). Strain NEAU-P5^T showed closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Micromonospora chokoriensis 2–19/6^T (99.5 %), and phylogenetically clustered with Micromonospora violae NEAU-zh8^T (99.3 %), M. saelicesensis Lupac 09^T (99.0 %), M. lupini Lupac 14N^T (98.8 %), M. zeae NEAU-gq9^T (98.4 %), M. jinlongensis NEAU-GRX11^T (98.3 %) and M. zamorensis CR38^T (97.9 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequence also indicated that the isolate clustered with the above type strains except M. violae NEAU-zh8^T. The cell-wall peptidoglycan consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The major menaquinones were MK-9(H₈), MK-9(H₆) and MK-10(H₂). The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were C_16:0, iso-C_15:0 and C_17:0. Furthermore, some physiological and biochemical properties and low DNA–DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from members of closely related species. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-P5^T represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora taraxaci sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-P5^T (=CGMCC 4.7098^T = DSM 45885^T).     

Micromonospora halotolerans sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of a Pisum sativum plant

A filamentous actinomycete strain designated CR18^T was isolated on humic acid agar from the rhizosphere of a Pisum sativum plant collected in Spain. This isolate was observed to grow optimally at 28 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 5 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated a close relationship with the type strains of Micromonospora chersina and Micromonospora endolithica. A further analysis based on a concatenated DNA sequence stretch of 4,523 bp that included partial sequences of the atpD, gyrB, recA, rpoB and 16S rRNA genes clearly differentiated the new strain from recognized Micromonospora species compared. DNA–DNA hybridization studies further supported the taxonomic position of strain CR18^T as a novel genomic species. Chemotaxonomic analyses which included whole cell sugars, polar lipids, fatty acid profiles and menaquinone composition confirmed the affiliation of the new strain to the genus Micromonospora and also highlighted differences at the species level. These studies were finally complemented with an array of physiological tests to help differentiate between the new strain and its phylogenetic neighbours. Consequently, strain CR18^T (= CECT 7890^T = DSM 45598^T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, Micromonospora halotolerans sp. nov.     

Pseudonocardia nantongensis sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinomycete isolated from the coastal halophyte Tamarix chinensis Lour

A novel isolate, designated strain KLBMP 1282^T was isolated from the surface-sterilized leaves of a coastal halophyte Tamarix chinensis Lour., collected from Nantong, Jiangsu Province, east of China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that this strain belongs to the genus Pseudonocardia, being most closely related to Pseudonocardia kongjuensis LM 157^T (98.33 %), Pseudonocardia autotrophica IMSNU 20050^T (97.77 %), Pseudonocardia endophytica YIM 56035^T (97.63 %), Pseudonocardia ammonioxydans H9 ^T (97.62 %) and Pseudonocardia compacta IMSNU 20111^T (97.56 %); similarity to other type strains of the genus Pseudonocardia was <97.5 %. Chemotaxonomic data confirmed the affiliation of strain KLBMP 1282^T to the genus Pseudonocardia. Strain KLBMP 1282^T contained MK-8(H₄) as the predominant ubiquinone and iso-C_16:0 as the major fatty acid. The polar lipids detected in strain KLBMP 1282^T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, one unknown phospholipid and four unknown glycolipids. The DNA G + C content of strain KLBMP 1282^T was 73.1 mol %. The results of DNA–DNA hybridizations and the phylogenetic analysis, together with the phenotypic and biochemical tests, allowed the differentiation of strain KLBMP 1282^T from strains of other recognized Pseudonocardia species. Therefore, strain KLBMP 1282^T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the name Pseudonocardia nantongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KLBMP 1282^T (=KCTC 29053^T = NBRC 108677^T).     

Salinicola peritrichatus sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment

A Gram stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, strain DY22^T, was isolated from a deep-sea sediment collected from the east Pacific Ocean. The isolate was found to grow in the presence of 0–20.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 4.5–8.5; optimum growth was observed with 0.5–2.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 5.0–7.0. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed the presence of ubiquinone-9 as predominant respiratory quinone and C_16:0, C_19:0 ω8c cyclo and C_12:0 3-OH as major cellular fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 59.6 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the novel isolate belongs to the genus Salinicola. Strain DY22^T exhibited the closest phylogenetic affinity to the type strain of Salinicola salarius with 97.2 % sequence similarity and less than 97 % sequence similarity with respect to other Salinicola species with validly published names. The DNA–DNA reassociation values between strain DY22^T and S. salarius DSM 18044^T was 52 ± 4 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain DY22^T represents a novel species of the genus Salinicola, for which the name Salinicola peritrichatus sp. nov. (type strain DY22^T = CGMCC 1.12381^T = JCM 18795^T) is proposed.     

Azospirillum himalayense sp. nov., a nifH bacterium isolated from Himalayan valley soil,India

Gram-negative, free-living bacterial strain ptl-3^T was isolated from Himalayan valley soil, India. Polyphasic taxonomy was performed including morphological characterization, fatty acid analysis, biochemical tests, 16S rRNA and nifH gene sequence analyses. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain ptl-3^T belonged to the genus Azospirillum and was closely related to A. brasilense (98.7 % similarity) and A. rugosum (97 % similarity). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (96–95 %) was shown with other members of the genus Azospirillum. Major fatty acid 18:1ω7c was also similar to the genus Azospirillum. DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain ptl-3^T and A. brasilense was found to be 47 %. Various biochemical tests showed that the strain ptl-3^T differed from its closely related species A. brasilense. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular genetics evidence, a bacterium with the type strain ptl-3^T is proposed as a novel species of the genus Azospirillum. The name of bacterial strain ptl-3^T has been proposed as Azospirillum himalayense sp. nov. The type strain of ptl-3^T (CCUG 58760^T, KCTC 23189^T) has been submitted to two culture collection centres. The accession numbers for 16S rRNA and nifH gene are GQ 284588 and GQ 249665. respectively.     

Streptomyces bullii sp. nov., isolated from a hyper-arid Atacama Desert soil

A Streptomyces strain isolated from a hyper-arid Atacama Desert soil was characterised using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain, designated C2^T, had chemical and morphological properties typical of the genus Streptomyces. The isolate formed a branch in the Streptomyces 16S rRNA gene tree together with the type strain of Streptomyces chromofuscus and was also loosely related to Streptomyces fragilis NRRL 2424^T. DNA:DNA relatedness values between the isolate and its two phylogenetic neighbours showed that it formed a distinct genomic species. The strain was readily distinguished from these organisms using a combination of morphological and phenotypic data. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic results, isolate C2^T represents a novel species in the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces bullii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C2^T (=CGMCC 4.7019^T = KACC 15426^T).     

Micromonospora avicenniae sp. nov., isolated from a root of Avicennia marina

Strain 268506^T was isolated from a root of Avicennia marina collected at mangrove forest in Wengchang, Hainan province, China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain 268506^T showed the highest similarity with Micromonospora equina Y22^T (98.8 %) and Micromonospora olivasterospora DSM 43868^T (98.7 %). In addition, gyrB gene phylogeny clearly showed strain 268506^T should be assigned to the genus Micromonospora but different from any established Micromonospora species. The predominant menaquinones are MK-9(H₈) and MK-9(H₆). The major fatty acids are iso-C_16:0, iso-C_15:0 and anteiso-C_17:0. The characteristic whole-cell sugars are xylose, mannose and arabinose. The cell wall contains meso-DAP and glycine. Phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine are the characteristic polar lipids. The DNA G+C content is 70.3 mol%. Some physiological and biochemical properties combined with low DNA–DNA relatedness indicated that the novel strain could be readily distinguished from the closest phylogenetic relatives. On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic data, strain 268506^T represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora avicenniae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 268506^T ( = CCTCC AA 2012010^T = DSM 45758^T).     

Klebsiella michiganensis sp. nov., A New Bacterium Isolated from a Tooth Brush Holder

Isolate W14^T recovered from a household tooth brush holder was found to be gram-negative, a facultative anaerobic, non-motile, capsulated, and a non-endospore-forming straight rod. Based on phylogenetic analysis with 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolate W14^T was affiliated to the genus Klebsiella. The closest phylogenetic relative was K. oxytoca with 99 % similarity in the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The major whole-cell fatty acids were C_16:0 (31.23 %), C_18:1ω6c/C_18:1ω7c (21.10 %), and C_16:1ω7c/C_16:1ω6c (19.05 %). The sequence similarities of isolate W14^T based on rpoB, gyrA, and gyrB were 97, 98, and 98 % with K. oxytoca, and 97, 93, and 90 % with K. mobilis (=Enterobacter aerogenes), respectively. The ribotyping pattern showed a 0.46 similarity with K. oxytoca ATCC 13182^T and 0.24 with K. mobilis ATCC 13048^T. The DNA G+C content of isolate W14^T was 54.6 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness was 55.7 % with K. oxytoca ATCC 13182^T. Using the identification technology of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, the top matches for this isolate were K. oxytoca ATCC 13182^T (Match Factor Score 1.998) and K. mobilis (Score 1.797). On the basis of phenotypic, biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and molecular studies, isolate W14^T could be differentiated from other members of the genus Klebsiella including K. mobilis. Therefore, it is proposed that isolate W14^T (=ATCC BAA-2403^T=DSM 25444^T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Klebsiella, K. michiganensis sp. nov.     

Paracoccus siganidrum sp. nov., isolated from fish gastrointestinal tract

A bacterial strain, designated M26^T, was isolated from a fish gastrointestinal tract, collected from Zhanjiang Port, South China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain M26^T belongs to the subclass α-Proteobacteria, being related to the genus Paracoccus, and sharing highest sequence similarity with Paracoccus alcaliphilus JCM 7364^T (98.1 %), Paracoccus huijuniae FLN-7^T (97.3 %), Paracoccus stylophorae KTW-16^T (97.1 %) and Paracoccus seriniphilus DSM 14827^T (96.9 %). The major quinone was determined to be ubiquinone Q-10, with Q-9 and Q-8 as minor components. The major fatty acid was identified as C_18:1ω7c, with smaller amounts of C_18:0 and C_16:0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 64.3 mol%. The DNA hybridization value between strain M26^T and the most closely related type strain, P. alcaliphilus, was 29.0 ± 1.0 %. The results of physiological and biochemical tests and low DNA–DNA relatedness showed that the strain could be readily distinguished from closely related species. On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic data, strain M26^T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus siganidrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M26^T (=CCTCC AB 2012865^T = DSM 26381^T).     

Micromonospora violae sp. nov., isolated from a root of Viola philippica Car

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-zh8^T, was isolated from a root of Viola philippica Car collected in China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain NEAU-zh8^T belongs to the genus Micromonospora, being most closely related to Micromonospora chokoriensis 2-9(6)^T (99.9 %), Micromonospora saelicesensis Lupac 09^T (99.3 %) and Micromonospora lupini Lupac 14N^T (99.0 %). gyrB gene analysis also indicated that strain NEAU-zh8^T should be assigned to the genus Micromonospora. The cell-wall peptidoglycan consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The major menaquinones were MK-10(H₄), MK-10(H₂) and MK-10(H₆). The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were iso-C_15:0, C_16:0 and C_17:0 10-methyl. A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization results and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that strain NEAU-zh8^T could be readily distinguished from the closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-zh8^T represents a novel Micromonospora species, for which the name Micromonospora violae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-zh8^T (=CGMCC 4.7102^T=DSM 45888^T).     

Isolation and Characterization of Marine Nonylphenol-Degrading Bacteria and Description of Pseudomaricurvus alkylphenolicus gen. nov., sp. nov.

Two novel aerobic p-n-nonylphenol-degrading bacterial strains were isolated from seawater obtained from the coastal region of Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strains are affiliated with the order Alteromonadales within the class Gammaproteobacteria. One isolate, strain KU41G2, is most closely related to Maricurvus nonylphenolicus (99.2 % similarity), and is tentatively identified as M. nonylphenolicus. The other isolate, strain KU41G^T, is also most closely related to M. nonylphenolicus; however, the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was only 94.7 %. Cells of strain KU41G^T are Gram-negative rods with a single polar flagellum. The predominant respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone-8, and the major cellular fatty acids were C_17:1 ω8c (24.2 %); C_15:0 iso 2-OH; and/or C_16:1 ω7c (16.3 %), C_15:0 (10.3 %), C_11:0 3-OH (9.5 %), C_9:0 3-OH (6.7 %), C_10:0 3-OH (6.4 %), and C_18:1 ω7c (5.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 53.3 mol%. On the basis of physiological, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data, strain KU41G^T is suggested to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which we propose the name Pseudomaricurvus alkylphenolicus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of P. alkylphenolicus is KU41G^T (=JCM 19135^T = KCTC 32386^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces tunisialbus</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces</Emphasis> species with antimicrobial activity

A novel actinomycete strain designated S2^T was isolated from Tunisian rhizosphere soil of Lavandula officinalis. This isolate exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also antifungal activity against yeast and filamentous fungi. The isolate S2^T presents morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the members of the genus Streptomyces. Whole cell hydrolysates of S2^T were found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids were identified as C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 whereas the predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8). The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and three unidentified compounds. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 71.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain S2^T belongs to the genus Streptomyces and is closely related to Streptomyces netropsis DSM 40259^T with 99.86% sequence similarity. Multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on four house-keeping gene alleles (gyrB, recA, trpB, rpoB) showed that isolate S2^T is closely related to S. netropsis, with an MLSA distance greater than 0.007. The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain S2^T and its near phylogenetic neighbour was 63.6 ± 2.3%, which is lower than the 70% threshold value for delineation of genomic prokaryotic species. This isolate was also distinguished from the type strain S. netropsis DSM 40259^T, using a combination of morphological and physiological features. Based on its phenotypic and molecular properties, strain S2^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces tunisialbus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2^T (= JCM 32165^T = DSM 105760^T).     

Nocardia aciditolerans sp. nov., isolated from a spruce forest soil

Actinomycetes growing on acidified starch-casein agar seeded with suspensions of litter and mineral soil from a spruce forest were provisionally assigned to the genus Nocardia based upon colonial properties. Representative isolates were found to grow optimally at pH 5.5, have chemotaxonomic and morphological features consistent with their assignment to the genus Nocardia and formed two closely related subclades in the Nocardia 16S rRNA gene tree. DNA:DNA relatedness assays showed that representatives of the subclades belong to a single genomic species. The isolates were distantly associated with their nearest phylogenetic neighbour, the type strain of Nocardia kruczakiae, and were distinguished readily from the latter based on phenotypic properties. On the basis of these data it is proposed that the isolates merit recognition as a new species, Nocardia aciditolerans sp. nov. The type strain is isolate CSCA68^T (=KACC 17155^T = NCIMB 14829^T = DSM 45801^T).     

Streptomyces erringtonii sp. nov. and Streptomyces kaempferi sp. nov., isolated from a hay meadow soil

Two filamentous actinomycetes isolated from a hay meadow soil were provisionally assigned to the genus Streptomyces based on morphological features. The isolates were found to have chemical and morphological properties typical of the genus Streptomyces and formed distinct phyletic lines in the 16S rRNA gene tree. Isolate I36^T was most closely related to Streptomyces glauciniger NBRC 100913^T and isolate I37^T to Streptomyces mirabilis NBRC 13450^T. Low DNA:DNA relatedness values were recorded between each of the isolates and their closest phylogenetic neighbour. The isolates were also distinguished from their nearest phylogenetic neighbour, and from one another, using a combination of phenotypic properties. These data indicate that the isolates should be recognised as new species in the genus Streptomyces. The names proposed for these new taxa are Streptomyces erringtonii sp. nov. and Streptomyces kaempferi sp. nov. with isolate I36^T (=CGMCC 4.7016^T = KACC 15424^T) and isolate I37^T (=CGMCC 4.7020^T = KACC 15428^T) as the respective type strains.     

Streptacidiphilus durhamensis sp. nov., isolated from a spruce forest soil

The taxonomic position of three acidophilic actinobacteria, strains FGG38, FGG39 and FSCA67^T, isolated from the fermentation litter layer of a spruce forest soil was established using a polyphasic approach. The strains were shown to have chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with their classification in the genus Streptacidiphilus and formed a distinct phyletic line in the Streptacidiphilus 16S rRNA gene tree being most closely related to Streptacidiphilus albus DSM 41753^T (99.4 % similarity). DNA:DNA relatedness data showed that isolate FSCA67^T and the type strain of S. albus belonged to markedly distinct genomic species. The isolates had many phenotypic properties in common and were distinguished readily from their closest phylogenetic neighbours in the Streptacidiphilus gene tree using a broad range of these features. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic data the three isolates are considered to represent a new Streptacidiphilus species. The name Streptacidiphilus durhamensis sp. nov. is proposed for this taxon with isolate FSCA67^T (=DSM 45796^T = KACC 17154^T = NCIMB 14829^T) as the type strain.     

Isoptericola rhizophila sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium isolated from rhizosphere soil

A Gram-positive, yellow pigmented strain, BKS 3-46^T was isolated from a soil sample collected from the rhizosphere of Ficus benghalensis (banyan tree) in Bhitarkanika mangrove forest, in the Indian state of Odisha, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic study. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain was determined and the sequence analysis showed that strain BKS 3-46^T should be assigned to the genus Isoptericola. The chemotaxonomic data supported this taxonomic placement i.e. presence of menaquinone MK-9(H₄); major fatty acids anteiso C_15:0 and iso-C_15:0; and phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol (PI) as major polar lipids. Further phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that the strain BKS 3-46^T belongs to the genus Isoptericola and is closely related to Isoptericola halotolerans MTCC 11265^T (98.6 %) followed by Isoptericola nanjingensis MTCC 11633^T (98.4 %) and Isoptericola chiayiensis MTCC 11634^T (98.1 %). However, the DNA–DNA hybridization values obtained between strain BKS 3-46^T and other related strains were well below the threshold that is required for the proposal of a novel species. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 70.4 mol%. The phenotypic and genotypic data showed that the strain BKS 3-46^T merits the recognition as a representative of a novel species of the genus Isoptericola. It is proposed that the isolate should be classified in the genus Isoptericola as a novel species, Isoptericola rhizophila sp. nov. The type strain is BKS 3-46^T (=MTCC 11080^T=JCM 19252^T).     

Marinobacter persicus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a saline lake in Iran

A Gram-negative, non-endospore-forming, rod shaped, strictly aerobic, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain M9B^T, was isolated from the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of strain M9B^T were found to be motile and produce colonies with an orange-yellow pigment. Growth was determined to occur between 5 and 20 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 7.5–10 % (v/w) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth of the strain were determined to be pH 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over pH and temperature ranges of 6–8 and 25–45 °C, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain M9B^T is a member of the genus Marinobacter. The closest relative to this strain was found to be Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus MBIC 1303^T with a similarity level of 97.7 %. DNA–DNA hybridization between the novel isolate and this phylogenetically related species was 13 ± 2 %. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were identified as C_16:0, C_19:1 ω6c, C_18:1 ω9c and C_16:1 ω9c. The polar lipid pattern of strain M9B^T was determined to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and three phospholipids. Ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) was the only lipoquinone detected. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was determined to be 58.6 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data suggest that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter persicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinobacter persicus is strain M9B^T (=IBRC-M 10445^T = CCM 7970^T = CECT 7991^T = KCTC 23561^T).     

Methylobacterium pseudosasae sp. nov., a pink-pigmented, facultatively methylotrophic bacterium isolated from the bamboo phyllosphere

A pink-pigmented, Gram negative, aerobic, facultatively methylotrophic bacterium, strain BL44^T, was isolated from bamboo leaves and identified as a member of the genus Methylobacterium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed similarity values of 98.7–97.0 % with closely related type strains and showed highest similarity to Methylobacterium zatmanii DSM 5688^T (98.7 %) and Methylobacterium thiocyanatum DSM 11490^T (98.7 %). Methylotrophic metabolism in this strain was confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the mxaF gene coding for the α-subunit of methanol dehydrogenase. Strain BL44^T produced three known quorum sensing signal molecules with similar retention time to C₈, C₁₀ and C₁₂-HSLs when characterized by GC–MS. The fatty acid profiles contained major amounts of C_18:1 ω7c, iso-3OH C_17:0 and summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c and/or iso-C_15:0 2-OH), which supported the grouping of the isolate in the genus Methylobacterium. The DNA G+C content was 66.9 mol%. DNA relatedness of the strain BL44^T to its most closely related strains ranged from 12–43.3 %. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain BL44^T is assigned to a novel species of the genus Methylobacterium for which the name Methylobacterium pseudosasae sp. nov. is proposed (type strain BL44^T = NBRC 105205^T = ICMP 17622^T).     

Halococcus sediminicola sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a marine sediment

A novel, red-pigmented and coccoid haloarchaeon, designated strain CBA1101^T, was isolated from a marine sediment. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain CBA1101^T is most closely related to the genus Halococcus in the family Halobacteriaceae. Strain CBA1101^T had a highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.4 % with Halococcus dombrowskii DSM 14522^T, followed by 93.7–98.3 % with sequences of other type strains in the genus Halococcus. The RNA polymerase subunit B′ gene sequence similarity of strain CBA1101^T with that of Halococcus qingdaonensis JCM 13587^T is 89.5 % and lower with those of other members of the genus Halococcus. Strain CBA1101^T was observed to grow at 25–40 °C, pH 6.0–9.0 and in the presence of 15–30 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth at 35–40 °C, pH 7.0 and with 20 % NaCl. The cells of strain CBA1101^T are Gram-negative and did not lyse in distilled water. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglyerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, sulfated diglycosyl diether, unidentified phospholipids and unidentified glycolipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined 66.0 mol%. The DNA–DNA hybridization experiment showed that there was less than 40 % relatedness between strain CBA1101^T and the reference species in the genus Halococcus. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain CBA1101^T is considered to represent a new species in the genus Halococcus, for which the name Halococcus sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBA1101^T (=JCM 18965^T = CECT 8275^T).