<Emphasis Type="Italic">Jindonia aestuariivivens</Emphasis> gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat on the south-western sea in Republic of Korea

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated, and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated JDTF-65^T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the south-western sea in Republic of Korea. Strain JDTF-65^T grew optimally at 25°C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0% (w/v) NaCl. Strain JDTF-65^T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.1–97.6% to the type strains of ‘Aliisedimentitalea scapharcae’, Phaeobacter gallaeciensis, Phaeobacter inhibens, Leisingera aquimarina, Tropicibacter litoreus, Sulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae, and Pseudoseohaeicola caenipelagi. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JDTF-65^T forms an independent lineage within the radiation enclosed by the family Rhodobacteraceae. Strain JDTF-65^T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C_18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids of strain JDTF-65^T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid, and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain JDTF-65^T was 56.8 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of the phylogenetically related species were 13–27%. Differential phenotypic properties revealed that strain JDTF-65^T is separated from representatives of some phylogenetically related taxa. On the basis of the data presented, strain JDTF-65^T represents a new genus and species within the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Jindonia aestuariivivens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Jindonia aestuariivivens is JDTF-65^T (=KCTC 52564^T =NBRC 112534^T).     

<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-Xylose fermentation,xylitol production and xylanase activities by seven new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sugiyamaella</Emphasis>

Sixteen yeast isolates identified as belonging to the genus Sugiyamaella were studied in relation to D-xylose fermentation, xylitol production, and xylanase activities. The yeasts were recovered from rotting wood and sugarcane bagasse samples in different Brazilian regions. Sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains of large subunit rRNA gene showed that these isolates belong to seven new species. The species are described here as Sugiyamaella ayubii f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y607^T = CBS 14108^T), Sugiyamaella bahiana f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y304^T = CBS 13474^T), Sugiyamaella bonitensis f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y608^T = CBS 14270^T), Sugiyamaella carassensis f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y606^T = CBS 14107^T), Sugiyamaella ligni f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y295^T = CBS 13482^T), Sugiyamaella valenteae f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y609^T = CBS 14109^T) and Sugiyamaella xylolytica f.a., sp. nov. (UFMG-CM-Y348^T = CBS 13493^T). Strains of the described species S. boreocaroliniensis, S. lignohabitans, S. novakii and S. xylanicola, isolated from rotting wood of Brazilian ecosystems, were also compared for traits relevant to xylose metabolism. S. valenteae sp. nov., S. xylolytica sp. nov., S. bahiana sp. nov., S. bonitensis sp. nov., S. boreocarolinensis, S. lignohabitans and S. xylanicola were able to ferment d-xylose to ethanol. Xylitol production was observed for all Sugiyamaella species studied, except for S. ayubii sp. nov. All species studied showed xylanolytic activity, with S. xylanicola, S. lignohabitans and S. valenteae sp. nov. having the highest values. Our results suggest these Sugiyamaella species have good potential for biotechnological applications.     

Thermal Preference of the Bush Cricket <Emphasis Type="Italic">Isophya rizeensis</Emphasis>; Testing the Effect of Countergradient Selection

Thermal preference is one of the most crucial components of behavioral thermoregulation in ectotherms, and documenting the adaptation of thermal preference carries great importance for studying the evolution of thermal biology. However there are not many studies focusing on the adaptation of thermal preference in elevational and latitudinal gradients. Isophya rizeensis is a color polymorphic bush cricket species endemic to the mountainous region of northeastern Turkey. Populations of this species are distributed in a wide elevational range between 350 and 2300 m. In this study, we hypothesized that the thermal preference of Isophya rizeensis might follow a countergradient variation where crickets from higher altitudes have higher temperature preferences compared to crickets from lower altitudes. To test this hypothesis, thermal preference values (T _pref ) of crickets from three altitudes groups (low, middle and high) were measured with a thermal gradient experiment. Additionally, body temperatures (T _b ) and environmental temperatures (T _a ) were measured in field. Deviation values of T _b and T _a from T _pref were calculated to investigate the extent of thermoregulation. As Isophya rizeensis is color polymorphic species where morphology pattern changes from lighter to darker types with increasing altitude we also tested whether coloration has any effect on temperature excess (T _ex ) and thermoregulation. Thermal preference values did not differ significantly between three groups and also colouration does not influence the extent of thermoregulation in this species. These results indicate that there is not sufficient evidence for the existence of a countergradient selection related with thermal behavior. However, the deviation of body (D _b ) and environmental (D _a ) temperatures suggest that at higher altitudes thermoregulation might be more efficient than lower altitudes.     

Assessing bat droppings and predatory bird pellets for vector-borne bacteria: molecular evidence of bat-associated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neorickettsia</Emphasis> sp. in Europe

In Europe, several species of bats, owls and kestrels exemplify highly urbanised, flying vertebrates, which may get close to humans or domestic animals. Bat droppings and bird pellets may have epidemiological, as well as diagnostic significance from the point of view of pathogens. In this work 221 bat faecal and 118 bird pellet samples were screened for a broad range of vector-borne bacteria using PCR-based methods. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 13 bat faecal DNA extracts, including the sequence of a rickettsial insect endosymbiont, a novel Rickettsia genotype and Rickettsia helvetica. Faecal samples of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) were positive for a Neorickettsia sp. and for haemoplasmas of the haemofelis group. In addition, two bird pellets (collected from a Long-eared Owl, Asio otus, and from a Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus) contained the DNA of a Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. In both of these bird pellets the bones of Microtus arvalis were identified. All samples were negative for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydiales. In conclusion, bats were shown to pass rickettsia and haemoplasma DNA in their faeces. Molecular evidence is provided for the presence of Neorickettsia sp. in bat faeces in Europe. In the evaluated regions bat faeces and owl/kestrel pellets do not appear to pose epidemiological risk from the point of view of F. tularensis, C. burnetii and Chlamydiales. Testing of bird pellets may provide an alternative approach to trapping for assessing the local occurrence of vector-borne bacteria in small mammals.     

<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).     

Using hydrothermal time concept to describe sesame (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sesamum indicum</Emphasis> L.) seed germination response to temperature and water potential

To quantify both temperature (T) and water potential (ψ) effects on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed germination (SG) and also to determine the cardinal T _s for this plant, a laboratory experiment was carried out using hydrothermal time model (HTT). For this purpose, four sesame cultivars (‘Asbomahalleh’, ‘Darab’, ‘Dashtestan’ and ‘Yellowhite’) were germinated at seven constant T _s (20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 39 and 43 °C) at each of the following ψ _s (0, ? 0.12, ? 0.24 and ? 0.36 MPa; provided by PEG 8000). Germination rate (GR) and germination percentage (GP) significantly influenced by ψ, T and their interactions in all cultivars (P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference, based on the confidence intervals of the model coefficients, between cultivars, so an average of cardinal T _s was 14.7, 35.4 and 47.2 °C for the minimum (T _b), optimum (T _o) and maximum (T _c) T _s, respectively, in the control condition (0 MPa). Hydrotime values in all cultivars decreased when T was increased to T _o and then remained constant at T _s > T _o (15 MPa h^?1). An average value of ψ _b(50) was estimated to be ? 1.23 MPa at T _s ≤ T _o and then increased linearly (0.1041 MPa°Ch^?1, the slope of the relationship between ψ _b(50) and supra-optimal T _s) with T when T _s increased above T _o and finally reached to zero at T _c. The T _b and T _o values were not influenced by ψ, but T _c value decreased (from 47.2 for zero to 43.5 °C for ? 0.36 MPa) at supra-optimal T _s as a result of the effect of ψ on GR. Based on our findings, this model (as a predictive tool) and or the estimated parameter values in this study can easily be used in sesame SG simulation models to quantitatively characterize the physiological status of sesame seed populations at different T _s and ψ _s.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nibribacter flagellatus</Emphasis> sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hibiscus syriacus</Emphasis> and emended description of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nibribacter</Emphasis>

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, motile by flagella, rod-shaped strain (THG-T16^T) was isolated from rhizosphere of Hibiscus syriacus. Growth occurred at 10–40 °C (optimum 28–30 °C), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum 7.0) and at 0–1.0% NaCl (optimum 0%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the near phylogenetic neighbours of strain THG-T16^T were identified as Nibribacter koreensis KACC 16450^T (98.6%), Rufibacter roseus KCTC 42217^T (94.7%), Rufibacter immobilis CCTCC AB 2013351^T (94.5%) and Rufibacter tibetensis CCTCC AB 208084^T (94.4%). The DNA G+C content of strain THG-T16^T was determined to be 46.7 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain THG-T16^T and N. koreensis KACC 16450^T, R. roseus KCTC 42217^T, R. immobilis CCTCC AB 2013351^T, R.tibetensis CCTCC AB 208084^T were 33.5?±?0.5% (31.7?±?0.7% reciprocal analysis), 28.1?±?0.2% (25.2?±?0.2%), 17.1?±?0.9% (10.2?±?0.6%) and 8.1?±?0.3% (5.2?±?0.1%). The polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. The quinone was identified as MK-7 and the polyamine as sym-homospermidine. The major fatty acids were identified as C_16:1 ω5c, C_17:1 ω6c, iso-C_15:0, summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c and/or C_16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 4 (iso-C_17:1 I and/or anteiso-C_17:1 B). On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic data, physiological characteristics, and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain THG-T16^T represents a novel species of the genus Nibribacter, for which the name Nibribacter flagellatus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-T16^T(=?KACC 19188^T?=?CCTCC AB 2016246^T).     

Anionic carbohydrate-containing cell wall polymers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces melanosporofaciens</Emphasis> and related species

The structures of cell wall anionic carbohydrate-containing polymers in Streptomyces melanosporofaciens VKM Ac-1864^T and phylogenetically close organisms—S. hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus VKM Ac-831^T, S. violaceusniger VKM Ac-583^T, S. endus VKM Ac-1331^T, S. endus VKM Ac-129, and S. rutgersensis subsp. castelarensis VKM Ac-832^T—have been comparatively studied by chemical and NMR spectroscopic methods. The natural polymer of a new, previously unknown structure, Kdn (3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-non-2-ulopyranosonic acid) with β-galactose residues at C-9, has been found in the cell walls of all the strains under study. The cell walls of all the studied organisms contain three teichoic acids (TA): a predominant TA (1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) with N-acetylated α-glucosaminyl substitutes by C-2 of glycerol, and minor TAs, 1,3-and 2,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) polymers without substitution. Their chains have O-acetyl and O-lysyl groups. Microorganisms of the above-mentioned species differ in the number of α-glucosaminyl substitutes and in the degree of their acetylation in the predominant teichoic acid.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ponticoccus alexandrii</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from the marine toxigenic dinoflagellate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alexandrium minutum</Emphasis>

During an investigation of the biodiversity of the cultivable bacterial community associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin-producing marine dinoflagellate, Alexandrium minutum a novel algal-associated bacterium, designated strain AT2-A^T was isolated. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that the strain is a member of the genus Ponticoccus, with high sequence similarity to Ponticoccus litoralis DSM 18986^T (97.9%) and Ponticoccus lacteus JCM 30379^T (96.0%). However, based on the data obtained for the physiological and biochemical characteristics, and low level of DNA–DNA relatedness analysis, the strain could be genotypically and phenotypically differentiated from two type strains of the genus Ponticoccus. Therefore, this algal-associated bacterial strain is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Ponticoccus, for which the name Ponticoccus alexandrii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AT2-A^T (CCTCC AB 2017228 ^T = KCTC 52626 ^T ).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces lutosisoli</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from muddy soil

A novel Gram-stain positive, spore-forming, aerobic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-QTH3-11^T, was isolated from muddy soil collected from a stream in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and characterised using a polyphasic approach. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NEAU-QTH3-11^T belongs to the genus Streptomyces and is closely related to Streptomyces rhizosphaerihabitans NBRC 109807^T (99.38%) and Streptomyces mirabilis JCM 4791^T (99.03%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain formed a cluster with S. rhizosphaerihabitans NBRC 109807^T and Streptomyces siamensis NBRC 108799^T (98.62%). The menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H₈), MK-9(H₆) and MK-9(H₄). The phospholipid profile was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_16:0, C_16:0 and C_15:0. However, multilocus sequence analysis based on five house-keeping genes (atpD, gyrB, rpoB, recA and trpB), low DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic, physiological and biochemical properties could differentiate the strain from its close relatives in the genus Streptomyces. Therefore, strain NEAU-QTH3-11^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces lutosisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with NEAU-QTH3-11^T (=DSM 42165^T=CGMCC 4.7198^T) as the type strain.     

New species of the buprestid genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphenoptera</Emphasis> Dejean, 1833 (Coleoptera,Buprestidae) from the Ethiopian Region

Sphenoptera (Tropeopeltis) barclayi sp. n. from RSA, S. (T.) kubani sp. n. from Kenya, S. (T.) makarovi sp. n. from Somalia and S. (Archideudora) karagyanae sp. n. from Tanzania are described. The name S. sansibarica Harold, 1878, nom. resurr. is resurrected, and the replacement name S. haroldi Jakovlev, 1902, syn. n. is placed to synonyms. Lectotypes of S. atomarioides Obenberger, 1926, S. capigena Obenberger, 1926, S. helena Obenberger, 1926, S. kimberleyensis Obenberger, 1926, S. nectariphila Obenberger, 1926, S. perpusilla Obenberger, 1926, S. semiusta Obenberger, 1926, S. steineili Obenberger, 1926, S. stichai Obenberger, 1926, S. maderi Obenberger, 1926, S. monstrosa Abeille de Perrin, 1907, S. sansibarica Harold, 1878, S. arrowi Obenberger, 1926, S. deudoroides Obenberger, 1926, S. sebakwensis Obenberger, 1926, S. promontorii Obenberger, 1926, S. zambesiensis Obenberger, 1926, and S. gillmani Obenberger, 1926 are designated.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizobium hedysari</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel species isolated from a root nodule of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hedysarum multijugum</Emphasis> in China

A strain 5-1-2^T was isolated from a root nodule of Hedysarum multijugum collected from Zhangye city, Gansu province, north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and other housekeeping genes (recA and atpD) indicated that the strain represents a novel species in the genus Rhizobium close to the strain Rhizobium subbaraonis JC85^T with similarities of 98.27, 88.92 and 89.62%, respectively. Strain 5-1-2^T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone. Our results showed that the major fatty acids were feature 8 (C_18:1 ω7c and/or C_18:1 ω6c; 38.90%). In addition, the DNA–DNA hybridizations with the type strains R. subbaraonis JC85^T and Rhizobium halophytocola YC6881^T were 39.2 ± 2.1 and 44.3 ± 1.9, respectively. Therefore, a novel species Rhizobium hedysari sp. nov. is proposed, and 5-1-2^T (=CGMCC1.15677^T = NBRC112532^T) is designated as the type strain.     

Habitat Management to Reduce Human Exposure to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma cruzi</Emphasis> and Western Conenose Bugs (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triatoma protracta</Emphasis>)

Chagas disease, which manifests as cardiomyopathy and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a vector-borne parasite. In California, the vector Triatoma protracta frequently colonizes woodrat (Neotoma spp.) lodges, but may also invade nearby residences, feeding upon humans and creating the dual risk of bite-induced anaphylaxis and T. cruzi transmission. Our research aimed to assess T. cruzi presence in woodrats in a previously unstudied northern California area, statistically evaluate woodrat microhabitat use with respect to vegetation parameters, and provide guidance for habitat modifications to mitigate public health risks associated with Tr. protracta exposure. Blood samples from big-eared woodrats (N. macrotis) trapped on rural private properties yielded a T. cruzi prevalence of 14.3%. Microhabitat analyses suggest that modifying vegetation to reduce understory density within a 40 meter radius of human residences might minimize woodrat lodge construction within this buffer area, potentially decreasing human exposure to Tr. protracta.     

Molecular phylogeny of pectinase genes <Emphasis Type="Italic">PGU</Emphasis> in the yeast genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces</Emphasis>

Using yeast genome databases and literature data, phylogenetic analysis of pectinase PGU genes from 112 Saccharomyces strains assigned to the biological species S. arboricola, S. bayanus (var. uvarum), S. cariocanus, S. cerevisiae, S. kudriavzevii, S. mikatae, S. paradoxus, and the hybrid taxon S. pastorianus (syn. S. carlsbergensis) was carried out. A superfamily of divergent PGU genes was found. Natural interspecies transfer of the PGU gene both from S. cerevisiae to S. bayanus and from S. paradoxus to S. cerevisiae may, however, occur. Within the Saccharomyces species, identity of the PGU nucleotide sequences was 98.8–100% for S. cerevisiae, 86.1–95.7% for S. bayanus (var. uvarum), 94–98.3% for S. kudriavzevii, and 96.8–100% for S. paradoxus/S. cariocanus. For the first time, a family of polymeric PGU1b, PGU2b, PGU3b and PGU4b genes is documented for the yeast S. bayanus var. uvarum, a variety important for winemaking.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharothrix ghardaiensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil

The taxonomic position of a new Saccharothrix strain, designated MB46^T, isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, South Algeria) was established following a polyphasic approach. The novel microorganism has morphological and chemical characteristics typical of the members of the genus Saccharothrix and formed a phyletic line at the periphery of the Saccharothrix espanaensis subcluster in the 16S rRNA gene dendrograms. Results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain MB46^T shares high degrees of similarity with S. espanaensis DSM 44229^T (99.2%), Saccharothrix variisporea DSM 43911^T (98.7%) and Saccharothrix texasensis NRRL B-16134^T (98.6%). However, the new strain exhibited only 12.5–17.5% DNA relatedness to the neighbouring Saccharothrix spp. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridizations, strain MB46^T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix ghardaiensis sp. nov. (type strain MB46^T = DSM 46886^T = CECT 9046^T) is proposed.     

The diversity of rhizobia nodulating the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Medicago</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melilotus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trigonella</Emphasis> inoculation group in Egypt is marked by the dominance of two genetic types

Twenty four rhizobial strains were isolated from root nodules of Melilotus, Medicago and Trigonella plants growing wild in soils throughout Egypt. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence from each strain showed that 12 strains (50 %) were closely related to the Ensifer meliloti LMG6133^T type strain with identity values higher than 99.0 %, that 9 (37.5 %) strains were more than 99 % identical to the E. medicae WSM419^T type strain, and that 3 (12.5 %) strains showed 100 % identity with the type strain of N. huautlense S02^T. Accordingly, the diversity of rhizobial strains nodulating wild Melilotus, Medicago and Trigonella species in Egypt is marked by predominance of two genetic types, E. meliloti and E. medicae, although the frequency of isolation was slightly higher in E. meliloti. Sequencing of the symbiotic nodC gene from selected Medicago and Melilotus strains revealed that they were all similar to those of the E. meliloti LMG6133^T and E. medicae WSM419^T type strains, respectively. Similarly, nodC sequences of strains identified as members of the genus Neorhizobium were more than 99 % identical to that of N. galegae symbiovar officinalis HAMBI 114.     

Cloning of fatty acid desaturase-coding sequence (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lufad3</Emphasis>) from flax and its functional validation in rice

Flax contains very high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (57%) and a fatty acid desaturase 3-coding sequence (Lufad3) of flax has been amplified from the RNA isolated from developing seeds. The deduced amino acid sequence of LuFAD3 showed the presence of three histidine motifs, six membrane spanning domains and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal KSK, indicating its plausible localization into the ER. Flax is not amenable for genetic transformation and not suitable for functional validation of Lufad3 gene. Hence, rice with well-developed genetic transformation has been selected as heterologous host system. Coding sequence of Lufad3 driven by maize Ubi1 promoter has been introduced into indica rice by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation. Southern analysis of putative transformants (T ₀) revealed signals at variable lengths at >5 kbp indicating random integration of transgene into the genomes of different transformants. The Mendelian segregation observed for selectable marker gene hyg in both T₁ and T₂ generations confirmed stable inheritance and single-site integration of transgenes. As compared to untransformed control (UC), homozygous transgenic rice expressing Lufad3 showed higher levels of essential α-linolenic acid in leaves and seeds validating its functionality.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces luozhongensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel actinomycete with antifungal activity and antibacterial activity

A novel actinomycete strain, designated TRM 49605^T, was isolated from a desert soil sample from Lop Nur, Xinjiang, north-west China, and characterised using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain exhibited antifungal activity against the following strains: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium citrinum, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis; Antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus; and no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated strain TRM 49605^T to the genus Streptomyces. Strain TRM 49605^T shows high sequence similarities to Streptomyces roseolilacinus NBRC 12815^T (98.62 %), Streptomyces flavovariabilis NRRL B-16367^T (98.45 %) and Streptomyces variegatus NRRL B-16380^T (98.45 %). Whole cell hydrolysates of strain TRM 49605^T were found to contain ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and galactose, glucose, xylose and mannose as the major whole cell sugars. The major fatty acids in strain TRM 49605^T were identified as iso C_16:0, anteiso C_15:0, C_16:0 and Summed Feature 5 as defined by MIDI. The main menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H₄), MK-9(H₆), MK-9(H₈) and MK-10(H₆). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 71.2 %. The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain TRM 49605^T and the phylogenetically related strain S. roseolilacinus NBRC 12815^T was 60.12 ± 0.06 %, which is lower than the 70 % threshold value for delineation of genomic prokaryotic species. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain TRM 49605^T (=CCTCC AA2015026^T = KCTC 39666^T) should be designated as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces luozhongensis sp. nov. is proposed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hymenobacter agri</Emphasis> sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from soil

A bacterial isolate was recovered from a soil sample collected in Jeollabuk-do Province, South Korea, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic assessment. Cells of the isolate, designated strain S1-2-1-2-1^T, were observed to be rod-shaped, pink in color, and Gram-stain negative. The strain was able to grow at temperature range from 10 to 30 °C, with an optimum of 25 °C, and growth occurred at pH 6–8. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S1-2-1-2-1^T belongs to the genus Hymenobacter, with closely related type strains being Hymenobacter daeguensis 16F3Y-2^T (95.8% similarity), Hymenobacter rubidus DG7B^T (95.8%), Hymenobacter soli PB^T (95.7%), Hymenobacter terrenus MIMtkLc17^T (95.6%), Hymenobacter terrae DG7A^T (95.3%), and Hymenobacter saemangeumensis GSR0100^T (95.2%). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S1-2-1-2-1^T was 63.0 mol%. The main polar lipid of this strain was phosphatidylethanolamine, the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7, and the major fatty acids were C_15:0 iso (27.3%), summed feature 3 (C_16:1 ω7c/C_16:1 ω6c) (16.5%), C_15:0 anteiso (15.3%), and C_16:0 (14.7%), supporting the affiliation of this strain with the genus Hymenobacter. The results of this polyphasic analysis allowed for the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain S1-2-1-2-1^T from recognized Hymenobacter species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain S1-2-1-2-1^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter agri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1-2-1-2-1^T (=KCTC 52739^T?=?JCM 32194^T).     

In vitro assessment of antimicrobial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of moss <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atrichum undulatum</Emphasis> (Hedw.) P. Beauv.

Bryophytes, the shade loving plants, have tremendous medicinal properties. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. were analysed for antimicrobial properties against the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium oxysporum and the bacteria Escherichia coli, Bacillus mycoides, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The study is an attempt to investigate the medicinal properties of Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. using disc-diffusion method. No inhibition was observed against A. fumigatus and P. mirabilis. For bacteria S. typhi and E. coli (20 and 15 mm), aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Atrichum showed significant inhibition. However, alcoholic extract was found remarkably effective against bacteria rather than aqueous extract.