<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudonocardia serianimatus</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from the surface-sterilized leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia annua</Emphasis> L.

An aerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive, Gram-stain positive actinomycete designated YIM 63233^T was isolated from the surface-sterilized leaves of Artemisia annua L. and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Optimal growth occurred at 20–28°C, pH 6.0–7.0 and in the presence of 0–3% (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis showed that strain YIM 63233^T clustered with species of the genus Pseudonocardia, displaying ≥1.2% sequence divergence with recognized species of this genus (from 98.8 to 94.0%). Relatively low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness were found between strain YIM 63233^T and Pseudonocardia petroleophila IMSNU 22072^T, which supported the classification of strain YIM 63233^T within a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia. The G + C content of genomic DNA was 72.0 mol%. Strain YIM 63233^T possessed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with classification in the genus Pseudonocardia, i.e. the predominant fatty acids were iso-C16:0 (32.27%), C16:0 10-methyl (8.73%) and C17:1ω8c (8.30%), whilst the predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H₄). The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major cell wall sugars were glucose, arabinose, galactose, mannose and rhamnose. The results of physiological and biochemical tests and DNA–DNA hybridization allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain YIM 63233^T from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, the new isolate YIM 63233^T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the name Pseudonocardia serianimatus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 63233^T (=DSM 45302^T = CCTCC AA 208079^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Halomonas qijiaojingensis</Emphasis> sp. nov. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halomonas flava</Emphasis> sp. nov., two moderately halophilic bacteria isolated from a salt lake

Two moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria, designated YIM 93003^T and YIM 94343^T, were isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China. The two strains YIM 93003^T and YIM 94343^T grew at 20–40°C, pH 6–9, 0.5–24% (w/v) NaCl and at 20–40°C, pH 6–9, 0.5–23% (w/v) NaCl, respectively. No growth occurred in absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains YIM 93003^T and YIM 94343^T were phylogenetically affiliated to the genus Halomonas and exhibited sequence similarity of 97.5% and 97.4% to the type strain Halomonas anticariensis DSM 16096^T, respectively. The strains possessed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with their classification in the genus Halomonas (Q-9 as predominant respiratory quinine; C18:1ω7c, C16:0 and C16:1 ω7c/iso-C15:02-OH as the major fatty acids). The DNA–DNA hybridization values for strains YIM 93003^T and YIM 94343^T, YIM 93003^T and DSM 16096^T, YIM 94343^T and DSM 16096^T were 38.1 ± 3.0, 18.3 ± 4.7, and 20.8 ± 4.6%, respectively. The G+C contents of the strains YIM 93003^T and YIM 94343^T were 63.4 and 64.0 mol%, respectively. Based on comparative analysis of physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, including low DNA–DNA hybridization results, two novel species, Halomonas qijiaojingensis sp. nov., and Halomonas flava sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are YIM 93003^T (=CCTCC AB 208133^T =KCTC 22228^T) and YIM 94343^T (=CCTCC AB 2010382^T =KCTC 23356^T), respectively.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubellimicrobium roseum</Emphasis> sp. nov., a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from the forest soil sample

A novel pink-coloured, non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-negative bacterium, designated YIM 48858^T, is described by using a polyphasic approach. The strain can grow at pH 6.5–9 (optimum at pH 7) and 25–30°C (optimum at 28°C). NaCl is not required for its growth. Positive for oxidase and catalase. Urease activity, nitrate reduction, starch and Tween 80 tests are negative reaction. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain YIM 48858^T is a member of the genus Rubellimicrobium, with similarities of 96.3, 95.7 and 95.5% to Rubellimicrobium mesophilum MSL-20^T, Rubellimicrobium aerolatum 5715S-9^T and Rubellimicrobium thermophilum DSM 16684^T, respectively. Q-10 was the predominant respiratory ubiquinone as in the other members of the genus Rubellimicrobium. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphoglycolipid, glycolipid and the major fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c, C16:0 and C10:0 3-OH, which are very different from the valid published species. The DNA G + C content was 67.7 mol%. Both phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic evidence supports that YIM 48858^T is a novel species of the genus Rubellimicrobium, for which the name Rubellimicrobium roseum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 48858^T (=CCTCC AA 208029^T =KCTC 23202^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">mayteni</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from a Chinese medicinal plant

An actinomycete strain, designated YIM 60475^T, was isolated from the roots of Maytenus austroyunnanensis and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. The strain was determined to belong to the genus Streptomyces, based on its phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics. The strain produced spiral spore chains on aerial mycelium. The cell wall contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose, and xylose. The phospholipid was type II. The DNA G+C content of the type strain was 73.3 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization and comparison of physiological and chemical characteristics suggested that strain YIM 60475^T is a new Streptomyces species, for which the name Streptomyces mayteni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 60475^T (=CCTCC AA 207005^T = KCTC 19383^T). Hua-Hong Chen and Sheng Qin contributed equally to this work.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Amycolatopsis endophytica</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinomycete isolated from oil-seed plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis> L.

A novel actinomycete, designated KLBMP 1221^T, was isolated from the surface-sterilized seeds of an oil-seed plant Jatropha curcas L. collected from Sichuan Province, south-west China and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this strain formed a distinct phyletic line within the radiation of the genus Amycolatopsis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicated that strain KLBMP 1221^T was most closely related to Amycolatopsis eurytherma NT202^T (98.9%), Amycolatopsis tucumanensis ABO^T (98.8%), Amycolatopsis thermoflava N1165^T (98.6%) and Amycolatopsis methanolica IMSNU 20055^T (98.5%). Strain KLBMP 1221^T had morphological and chemotaxonomic properties that were consistent with its classification in the genus Amycolatopsis. However, DNA–DNA relatedness data and phenotypic differences clearly distinguished the isolate from its closest relatives. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain KLBMP 1221^T be classified as representative of a novel species for which the name Amycolatopsis endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KLBMP 1221^T (= KCTC 19776^T = CCTCC AA 2010003^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pontibacter rhizosphera</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of an Indian medicinal plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nerium indicum</Emphasis>

A gram-negative, motile, straight to curved rod shaped, pink pigmented bacterium was isolated from a soil sample collected from the rhizosphere of an Indian medicinal plant, Nerium indicum (Chuvanna arali) and subjected to a detailed polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain, designated as IMTB-1969^T, matched with most of the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties of the genus Pontibacter and represents a novel species. The major fatty acids of the strain were monounsaturated iso/anteiso branched C17 fatty acids (45.1%) and iso-C15:0 (16.5%). MK-7 was the predominant isoprenoid quinone. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain IMTB-1969^T was indicated to belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes and further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain IMTB-1969^T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae and genus Pontibacter. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was with Pontibacter korlensis CCTCC AB 206081^T (97.2%) and lower sequence similarity was observed with other species in the genus Pontibacter (95.9–94.0%). DNA–DNA relatedness study of the strain IMTB-1969^T confirmed that it represents a novel species. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.2 (±0.5) mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic distinction of strain IMTB-1969^T from its closest phylogenetic relatives. The strain IMTB-1969^T should be classified as novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter rhizosphera sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMTB-1969^T (=MTCC 10673^T = DSM 24399^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphingomonas hunanensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from forest soil

A novel Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, strictly aerobic, non spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JSM 083058^T, was isolated from non-saline forest soil in Hunan Province, China. Growth occurred with 0–8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5–3%) at pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 5–35°C (optimum, 25–30°C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 083058^T fell within the cluster comprising species of the genus Sphingomonas, clustering with Sphingomonas aestuarii K4^T, with which it shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.2%). The chemotaxonomic properties of strain JSM 083058^T were consistent with those of the genus Sphingomonas. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c), C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) and C17:1ω6c. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and sphingoglycolipid. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JSM 083058^T was 65.5 mol%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the view that strain JSM 083058^T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas hunanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 083058^T (=CCTCC AA 209011^T = DSM 22213^T).     

Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Deinococcus sahariens</Emphasis> sp. nov., a radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from a Saharan hot spring

An ultraviolet-radiation-resistant, Gram-positive, orange-pigmented, thermophilic and strictly aerobic cocci was isolated from Saharan water hot spring in Tunisia. The newly isolated bacterium, designated HAN-23^T, was identified based on polyphasic taxonomy including genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed this strain within Deinococcus genus. However, strain HAN-23^T is different from recognized species of the genus Deinococcus, showing less than 94.0% similarity values to its closest relatives. The predominant cellular fatty acids determined by gas chromatography were iso-C_15:0, iso-C_17:0 and iso C_17:1 ω9c. The major respiratory quinone was MK-8. The DNA G + C content was 66.9 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization measurements revealed low DNA relatedness (6%) between the novel isolate and its closest neighbor, the type strain Deinococcus geothermalis DSM 11300. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain HAN-23^T represents a novel species of the genus Deinococcus, for which the name Deinococcus sahariens sp. nov. is proposed, the type strain being HAN-23^T (=DSM 18496^T; LMG 23756^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salinarchaeum laminariae</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov.: a new member of the family <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halobacteriaceae</Emphasis> isolated from salted brown alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Laminaria</Emphasis>

Halophilic archaeal strains R26^T and R22 were isolated from the brown alga Laminaria produced at Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. Cells from the two strains were pleomorphic rods and Gram negative, and colonies were red pigmented. Strains R26^T and R22 were able to grow at 20–50°C (optimum 37°C) in 1.4–5.1 M NaCl (optimum 3.1–4.3 M) at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 8.0–8.5) and neither strain required Mg²⁺ for growth. Cells lyse in distilled water and the minimum NaCl concentration required to prevent cell lysis was 8% (w/v) for strain R26^T and 12% (w/v) for strain R22. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and minor phosphatidylglycerol sulfate; glycolipids were not detected. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes and rpoB′ genes revealed that strains R26^T and R22 formed a distinct clade with the closest relative, Natronoarchaeum mannanilyticum. The DNA G+C content of strains R26^T and R22 was 65.8 and 66.4 mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value between strains R26^T and R22 was 89%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that the strains R26^T and R22 represent a novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Salinarchaeum laminariae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R26^T (type strain R26^T = CGMCC 1.10590^T = JCM 17267^T, reference strain R22 = CGMCC 1.10589).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ogataea phyllophila</Emphasis> sp. nov., <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida chumphonensis</Emphasis> sp. nov. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida mattranensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., three methylotrophic yeast species from phylloplane in Thailand

Five strains (LN12, LN14^T, LN15^T, LN16 and LN17^T) representing three novel methylotrophic yeast species were isolated from the external surface of plant leaves by three-consecutive enrichments. On the basis of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the phylogenetic analysis, the five strains were assigned to be one novel Ogataea species and two novel Candida species. Three strains (LN12, LN14^T and LN16) represent a single novel species of the genus Ogataea, for which the name Ogataea phyllophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LN14^T (= BCC 42666^T = NBRC 107780^T = CBS 12095^T). Strain LN15^T was assigned to be Candida chumphonensis sp. nov. (type strain LN15^T = BCC 42667^T = NBRC 107781^T = CBS 12096^T). Strain LN17^T represented another novel species of Candida that was named Candida mattranensis sp. nov. (type strain LN17^T = BCC 42668^T = NBRC 107782^T = CBS 12097^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nocardiopsis terrae</Emphasis> sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from saline soil

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic, filamentous actinomycete strain, designated YIM 90022^T, was isolated from saline soil collected from the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the new isolate was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis and the sequence similarities between the isolate and the type strains of members of the genus Nocardiopsis were in the range of 95.1–98.7%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties of this organism also indicated that strain YIM 90022^T was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis. The strain grew well on most of the media tested, producing yellow-white to deep brown substrate mycelium and white aerial mycelium. Light gray to deep brown diffusible pigments were produced. The substrate mycelium was well developed and fragmented with age; the aerial mycelium produced long, straight to flexuous spore chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced, rod-shaped spores on them. The strain grew in the presence of 1–15% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 3–5%) and at pH 6.0–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.5) and 10–45°C (optimum, 30°C). Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain YIM 90022^T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and no diagnostic sugars. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H₄), MK-9(H₈), MK-10(H₆) and MK-10(H₈). Polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C_16:0, anteiso-C_17:0, 10-methyl-C_18:0 and 10-methyl-C_17:0. The DNA G + C content of strain YIM 90022^T was 71.5 mol%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the suggestion that strain YIM 90022^T represents a new species of the genus Nocardiopsis, for which the name Nocardiopsis terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 90022^T (=CCTCC AA 208011^T =KCTC 19431^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces fildesensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel streptomycete isolated from Antarctic soil

A novel actinomycete strain, GW25-5^T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, West Antarctica. The strain was characterized by white to grey aerial mycelia, which were differentiated to straight to flexuous spore chains, with rod-shaped smooth spores. The cell wall of strain GW25-5^T contained LL-diaminopimelic acid (A₂pm) and traces of meso-A₂pm. Whole-cell sugars were galactose and minor amounts of mannose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H₆) (49%), MK-9(H₈) (24%) and MK-9(H₄) (12%). The phospholipids contained DPG, PE, PI, PIM and PL(s). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C_16:0 and anteiso-C_15:0. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain GW25-5^T was 70.0 mol%. BLAST result showed that strain GW25-5 has the 16S rRNA gene sequence highest similarity of 97.5% with members of genus Streptomyces and phylogenetic analysis indicated that this strain belongs to the genus Streptomyces. DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain GW25-5^T with the closest species of Streptomyces purpureus LMG 19368^T and Streptomyces beijiangensis YIM 6^T were significantly lower than 70% of the threshold value for the delineation of genomic species. A polyphasic taxonomic investigation based on a judicious combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics revealed that the organism represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces. Thus, we propose strain GW25-5^T as the type strain of this novel species, Streptomyces fildesensis (=CGMCC 4.5735^T = YIM 93602^T = DSM 41987^T = NRRL B 24828^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus berkeleyi</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from the sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongylocentrotus intermedius</Emphasis>

A bacterial strain, designated KMM 6244^T, was isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The bacterium was found to be heterotrophic, aerobic, non-motile and spore-forming. Comparative phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed the marine isolate in the genus Bacillus. The nearest neighbor of strain KMM 6244^T was Bacillus decolorationis LMG 19507^T with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.0%. Sequence similarities with the other recognized Bacillus species were less than 96.0%. The results of the DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed a low relatedness (37%) of the novel isolate with the type strain of B. decolorationis LMG 19507^T. Strain KMM 6244^T grew at 4–45°C and with 0–12% NaCl. It produced catalase and oxidase and hydrolyzed aesculin, casein, gelatin and DNA. The predominant fatty acids were anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_17:0, C_15:0, iso-C_16:0 and iso-C_14:0. The DNA G + C content was 39.4 mol%. A combination of phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data clearly indicated that strain KMM 6244^T represents a novel species in the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus berkeleyi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6244^T (KCTC 12718^T = LMG 26357^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Yaniella soli</Emphasis> sp. nov., a new actinobacterium isolated from non-saline forest soil in China

A novel Gram-stain-positive, slightly halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, non-motile, non-sporulating, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 070026^T, was isolated from non-saline forest soil in China. Growth occurred with 0–20% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–4%) and at pH 6.0–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.0) and 5–40°C (optimum, 30°C). Good growth also occurred in the presence of 0–28% (w/v) KCl (optimum, 2–5%) or 0–25% (w/v) MgCl₂·6H₂O (optimum, 1–4%). The peptidoglycan type was A4α (l-Lys–Gly–l-Glu). Cell-wall sugars contained mannose and xylose. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. Strain JSM 070026^T contained menaquinone 8 as the major respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol as the major polar lipids. The DNA G + C content of strain JSM 070026^T was 56.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JSM 070026^T was a member of the suborder Micrococcineae and most closely related to Yaniella flava YIM 70178^T (sequence similarity 99.4%) and Yaniella halotolerans YIM 70085^T (97.9%). The three strains formed a distinct branch in the phylogenetic tree. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness values, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supports the proposal that strain JSM 070026^T represents a novel species of the genus Yaniella, for which the name Yaniella soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 070026^T (=DSM 22211^T = KCTC 13527^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tropicibacter phthalicus</Emphasis> sp. nov., A Phthalate-Degrading Bacterium from Seawater

An aerobic, Gram-negative bacterial strain, designated KU27E1^T, which degrades phthalate and dimethylphthalate, was isolated from seawater obtained from the coastal region of Ishigaki Island, Japan. Cells are motile rods with polar flagella. Strain KU27E1^T grew at 15–30°C, pH 6.0–8.0, in the presence of 1.0–2.0% (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that this strain was affiliated with the family Rhodobacteraceae in the class Alphaproteobacteria, and was most closely related to Tropicibacter naphthalenivorans (96.8%). The predominant respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone-10, and the major cellular fatty acid was C_18:1ω7c (88.5%). The G+C content of genomic DNA was 58.7 mol%. Based on the physiological, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data, strain KU27E1^T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Tropicibacter, for which the name Tropicibacter phthalicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Tropicibacter phthalicus is designated as KU27E1^T (=JCM 17793^T = KCTC 23703^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus rhizosphaerae</Emphasis> sp. nov., an novel diazotrophic bacterium isolated from sugarcane rhizosphere soil

A Gram-positive, non-pigmented, rod-shaped, diazotrophic bacterial strain, designated SC-N012^T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of sugarcane and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain exhibited phenotypic properties that included chemotaxonomic characteristics consistent with its classification in the genus Bacillus. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of SC-N012^T revealed the closest match (98.9% pair wise similarity) with Bacillus clausii DSM 8716^T. However, DNA–DNA hybridization experiments indicated low levels of genomic relatedness (32%) with this strain. The major components of the fatty acid profile are iso-C_15:0, anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_17:0 and anteiso-C_17:0. The diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 43.0 mol%. The lipids present in strain SC-N012^T are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol and two unknown phospholipids. Their predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. Studies of DNA-DNA relatedness, morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic analyses and phylogenetic data based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing allowed strain SC-N012^T to be described as members of novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SC-N012^T (=DSM 21911^T = NCCB 100267^T).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces serianimatus</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from a rhizophere soil

A novel actinomycete strain, designated YIM 45720^T, was isolated from a Cephalotaxus fortunei rhizophere soil sample collected from Yunnan Province, southwest China. The strain formed well-differentiated aerial and substrate mycelia. Chemotaxonomically, it contained LL-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. The cell-wall sugars contained ribose, mannose, and galactose with traces of glucose and xylose. Phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. MK-9 (H₈) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids (>10%) were iso-C_16:0, iso-C_15:1 and anteiso-C_15:0. The G + C content of the DNA was 70 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis data based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain YIM 45720^T formed a distinct branch with the type strain of Streptomyces scabrisporus JCM 11712^T within the genus Streptomyces. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain YIM 45720^T (=DSM 41883^T = CCTCC AA 206006^T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, Streptomyces serianimatus sp. nov.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Kazachstania intestinalis</Emphasis> sp. nov., an ascosporogenous yeast from the gut of passalid beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Odontotaenius disjunctus</Emphasis>

Three ascosporogenous yeast strains were isolated from the gut of the passalid beetle, Odontotaenius disjunctus, inhabiting on rotten oak trees. DNA sequence comparison and other taxonomic characteristics identified the strains as a novel species in the genus Kazachstania. The name Kazachstania intestinalis sp. nov. (type strain EH085^T = ATCC MYA-4658^T = CBS 11839^T) is proposed for the strains. The yeast is homothallic, producing persistent asci with 1–4 spheroidal ascospores. Molecular phylogeny from ribosomal RNA gene sequences placed this novel species on the basal lineage of a clade including Kazachstania lodderae, Kazachstania exigua, Kazachstania martiniae, and other related Kazachstania spp., but none of those species was a close sister to K. intestinalis.