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A Gram-stain positive, short rod-shaped, aerobic, motile by means of gliding, yellow-pigmented actinobacterium, designated strain DD4a T , was isolated from dry yellow foxtail. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain DD4a T is closely related to Amnibacterium soli MB78 T (98.4% similarity), Amnibacterium kyonggiense KSL51201-037 T (98.2%) and Amnibacterium endophyticum 1T4Z-3 T (97.43%). Strain DD4a T forms yellow colonies on R2A agar medium. The peptidoglycan was found to contains diaminopimelic acid (which is a diagnostic cell wall diamino acid), alanine, glutamic acid and lysine. The polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, six unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified polar lipid were found to be present in strain DD4a T . The major cellular fatty acids anteiso-C 15:0 (42.9%) and iso-C 16:0 (34.6%) were found in strain DD4a T . The predominant respiratory quinones were found to be MK-11 and MK-12. The DNA G+C content of strain DD4a T is 73.9 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness of strain DD4a T with A. soli MB78 T , A. kyonggiense KSL51201-037 T , and A. endophyticum 1T4Z-3 T were 53.3% (± 1.1%), 47.0% (± 0.5%), and 47.9% (± 0.9%), respectively. The digital DNA-DNA hybridisation and average nucleotide identity values between strain DD4a T and A. kyonggiense KSL51201-037 T were determined to be 26.1% and 82.7%. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, DD4a T represents a novel member of the genus Amnibacterium, for which the name Amnibacterium setariae sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Amnibacterium setariae is DD4a T (= KACC 19817 T  = JCM 32878 T ).

A pleomorphic and non-motile halophilic archaeon forming light-red pigmented colonies, strain ZC67 T , was isolated from the Yuanyongjing Salt Mine, Yunnan, China. Based on similarity search and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain ZC67 T belongs to the genus Halorubrum and is closely related to the species of Halorubrum (Hrr.) saccharovorum JCM 8865 T , Hrr. persicum C49 T , Hrr. halophilum B8 T , Hrr. lipolyticum 9-3 T , Hrr. salsamenti Y69 T and Hrr. depositum Y78 T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 99.0%, 98.7%, 98.5%, 98.4%, 98.1% and 97.7%, respectively. The values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and average amino-acid identity (AAI) between strain ZC67 T and its close relatives were less than 90.5% and 89.3%, respectively. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) analysis showed that DNA-DNA relatedness between strain ZC67 T and its relatives is less than 45%. Values of ANI, AAI and in silico DDH were clearly below the thresholds used for the delineation of a new species. The major polar lipids of strain ZC67 T were similar to other neutrophilic members in the genus Halorubrum containing phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerolphosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and sulfated mannosyl-glucosyl-glycerol diether-1. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 66.3 mol% (based on the draft genome). Combined with other diagnostic characteristics, e.g. phenotypic and chemotaxonomic differences, strain ZC67 T is concluded to represent a novel species in the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum amylolyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZC67 T (=CGMCC 1.15718 T  = JCM 31850 T ).

An iridescent yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from the Antarctic continent, named Cellulophaga fucicola strain 416, was found to be able to tolerate UV-B radiation. Its crude pigment extract was tested for antioxidant capacity, UV light stability and phototoxicity profile against murine fibroblast lines. The pigments were further isolated and chemically identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors. The results showed that the pigment extract presented weak stability under exposure to UV light, a phototoxic profile in the 3t3 Neutral Red Uptake test and a very high antioxidant activity, suggesting that it could be used as food and feed colourants. Zeaxanthin and two isomers of zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene, were identified using a C18 column. These five carotenoids were the major pigments isolated from C. fucicola 416. In conclusion, the identification of pigments produced by the bacterial strain under study may help us understand how bacteria thrive in high UV and cold environments, and opens avenues for further biotechnological application towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of pigment exploitation.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, yellow-pigmented and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain NSL10(T), was isolated from the waste surface soil of a chemical factory in Hongan, China. Strain NSL10(T) was found to grow optimally at pH 7.0, 30 °C and in the absence of NaCl in modified LB medium. Cells were found to be positive for catalase and oxidase. The G+C content of the total DNA was determined to be 66.8 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NSL10(T) showed the highest similarity to that of Devosia albogilva IPL15(T) (96.80 %), followed by Devosia geojensis BD-c194(T) (96.46 %) and Devosia chinhatensis IPL18(T) (96.27 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain NSL10(T) were identified as C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c (48.2 %) and C16:0 (17.7 %). The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified compound. Minor amounts of unidentified glycolipids and unidentified polar lipids were also detected. These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain NSL10(T) to the genus Devosia. In conclusion, on the basis of biochemical, physiological characteristics and molecular properties, strain NSL10(T) represents a novel species within the genus Devosia, for which the name Devosia honganensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is NSL10(T) (=KCTC 42281(T) = ACCC 19737(T)).

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming, aerobic, orange-pigmented bacterium, designated strain 6P(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Hoh Xil basin, China. Strain 6P(T) grew optimally at 25 °C, pH 7.0-7.5 and NaCl concentration of 0-1 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 6P(T) belongs to the genus Sphingomonas, with high sequence similarity (97.1 %) to Sphingomonas fennica. The DNA-DNA hybridization homology with S. fennica DSM 13665(T) was 45.3 %. The DNA G+C content of the novel strain is 65.3 mol%. The isolate contained Q-10 as the only respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingoglycolipid (SGL). C18:1 ω7c and C16:1 ω7c are the major fatty acids. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented, strain 6P(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas arantia sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 6P(T) (=CGMCC 1.12702(T) = JCM 19855(T)).

Two closely related thermophilic bacterial strains, designated YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039, were isolated from a hot spring in Tengchong county, Yunnan province, south-western China. The novel isolates were observed to be Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacteria. The strains were found to be able to grow at 37-65 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and with a NaCl tolerance up to 1.0 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed these two isolates in the genus Meiothermus. They were found to be closely related to Meiothermus timidus DSM 17022(T) (98.6 % similarity), and formed a cluster with this species. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-8 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C16:0 and C16:0. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039 were determined to be 64.0 and 65.4 mol%, respectively. DNA-DNA hybridizations showed low values between strains YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039 and their closely related neighbour M. timidus DSM 17022(T). Morphological phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic results suggest that strains YIM 71031(T) and YIM 71039 are representatives of a new species within the genus Meiothermus, for which the name Meiothermus roseus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 71031(T) (=KCTC 42495(T) =NBRC 110900(T)).

The genus Methylobacterium is composed of pink-pigmented methylotrophic bacterial species that are widespread in natural environments, such as soils, stream water and plants. When in association with plants, this genus colonizes the host plant epiphytically and/or endophytically. This association is known to promote plant growth, induce plant systemic resistance and inhibit plant infection by phytopathogens. In the present study, we focused on evaluating the colonization of soybean seedling-roots by Methylobacterium mesophilicum strain SR1.6/6. We focused on the identification of the key genes involved in the initial step of soybean colonization by methylotrophic bacteria, which includes the plant exudate recognition and adaptation by planktonic bacteria. Visualization by scanning electron microscopy revealed that M. mesophilicum SR1.6/6 colonizes soybean roots surface effectively at 48 h after inoculation, suggesting a mechanism for root recognition and adaptation before this period. The colonization proceeds by the development of a mature biofilm on roots at 96 h after inoculation. Transcriptomic analysis of the planktonic bacteria (with plant) revealed the expression of several genes involved in membrane transport, thus confirming an initial metabolic activation of bacterial responses when in the presence of plant root exudates. Moreover, antioxidant genes were mostly expressed during the interaction with the plant exudates. Further evaluation of stress- and methylotrophic-related genes expression by qPCR showed that glutathione peroxidase and glutathione synthetase genes were up-regulated during the Methylobacterium-soybean interaction. These findings support that glutathione (GSH) is potentially a key molecule involved in cellular detoxification during plant root colonization. In addition to methylotrophic metabolism, antioxidant genes, mainly glutathione-related genes, play a key role during soybean exudate recognition and adaptation, the first step in bacterial colonization.

A polyphasic taxonomic investigation was performed on a bacterial strain, 38-Ka-2(T), which was isolated from the green alga Ulva pertusa Kjellman (Chlorophyta) in Hokkaido, Japan. The bacterial cells were observed to be golden-yellow coloured, Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the new strain is a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae within the phylum Bacteroidetes and that it shows high sequence similarity (94.8 %) to Aquimarina addita JC2680(T). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 38-Ka-2(T) was determined to be 36 mol%; MK-6 was identified as the major menaquinone; and the presence of iso-C15:0, C18:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the major (>10 %) cellular fatty acids. The polar lipid profile was found to consist of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. From the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 38-Ka-2(T) is considered to represent a novel genus for which the name Algitalea ulvae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of A. ulvae is 38-Ka-2(T) (=KCTC 32994(T) = NBRC 110017(T)).

A halophilic archaeal strain, YGH94(T), was isolated from the Yinggehai marine solar saltern near the Shanya city of Hainan Province, China. Cells of the strain were observed to be short rods, stain Gram-negative and to form red-pigmented colonies on solid media. Strain YGH94(T) was found to grow at 25-50 °C (optimum 40 °C), at 0.9-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M), at 0-1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.05 M) and at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.5). The cells were found to lyse in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was determined to be 5 % (w/v). The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and four major glycolipids (disulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether, sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and two unidentified glycolipids chromatographically identical to glycolipids in Halosimplex carlsbadense JCM 11222(T)). Strain YGH94(T) was found to possess two heterogeneous 16S rRNA genes (rrnA and rrnB) and both are related to those of Hsx. carlsbadense JCM 11222(T) (92.7-98.6 % similarities), Halosimplex pelagicum R2(T) (94.6-99.2 % similarities) and Halosimplex rubrum R27(T) (92.9-98.8 % similarities). The rpoB' gene similarity between strain YGH94(T) and Hsx. carlsbadense JCM 11222(T), Hsx. pelagicum R2(T) and Hsx. rubrum R27(T) are 95.4, 94.9 and 95.1 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain YGH94(T) was determined to be 64.0 mol%. Strain YGH94(T) showed low DNA-DNA relatedness (35-39 %) with the current three members of the genus Halosimplex. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain YGH94(T) (=CGMCC 1.12235(T) = JCM 18647(T)) represents a new species of the genus Halosimplex, for which the name Halosimplex litoreum sp. nov. is proposed.

A novel agarolytic, Gram-stain negative, heterotrophic, facultatively anaerobic and pale-white pigmented bacterial strain, designated Q1(T), was isolated from the marine alga Porphyra yezoensis Ueda (AST58-103) collected from the coastal area of Weihai, China. The cells are motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The isolate requires NaCl for growth, while seawater is not necessary, and growth occurs optimally at about 30-33 °C, in 1-3 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7-7.5. Strain Q1(T) shows oxidase-positive and catalase-negative activities, and possesses the ability to hydrolyse starch and alginate, but not cellulose, gelatin, urea or Tween-80. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain Q1(T) is affiliated with the family Alteromonadaceae within the class Gammaproteobacteria. The isolate, strain Q1(T), is most closely related to Catenovulum agarivorans YM01(T) (94.85 %), with less than 91.2 % sequence similarity to other close relatives with validly published names. The draft genome sequence of strain Q1(T) consists of 62 contigs (>200 bp) of 4,548,270 bp. The genomes of Q1(T) and YM01(T) have an ANI value of 70.7 %, and the POCP value between the two genomes is 64.4 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Q1(T) is 37.9 mol% as calculated from the draft genome sequence. The main isoprenoid quinone is ubiquinone-8. The predominant cellular fatty acids are summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Based on data from a polyphasic chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical study, strain Q1(T) should be classified as a novel species of the genus Catenovulum, for which the name Catenovulum maritimus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Q1(T) (=CICC 10836(T)=DSM 28813(T)).

A Gram-staining negative, short rod, motile, light brownish-pigmented bacterial strain, designated YIM Y792(T), was isolated from a soil sample taken from Turpan desert in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, north-western China. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain YIM Y792(T) belongs to the genus Delftia. Strain YIM Y792(T) shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Delftia lacustris DSM 21246(T) (93.96 %), Delftia tsuruhatensis NBRC 16741(T) (93.74 %), and Delftia acidovorans NBRC 14950(T) (93.62 %). Growth of the strain YIM Y792(T) was found to occur at 20-45 °C (optimum at 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum at pH 7.0), and salinities of 0-3.0 % NaCl (optimum at 1.0 %). The new bacterium exhibits typical chemotaxonomic features of the genus Delftia with ubiqinone-8 (Q-8) as the predominant quinone and C16:0, Summed feature 3, Summed Feature 8 as major fatty acids (>10 %). The polar lipids were found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain YIM Y792(T) was found to be 70.3 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain YIM Y792(T) and D. lacustris DSM 21246(T), D. tsuruhatensis NBRC16741(T), D. acidovorans NBRC14950(T) were 35.5 ± 2.0, 17.1 ± 1.8, 26.2 ± 2.0 %. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, we propose a novel species with the name Delftia desertisoli sp. nov. The type strain is YIM Y792(T) (=KCTC 42377(T) = JCM 30639(T)).

A novel Gram-stain negative, spherical, non-motile, strictly aerobic, heterotrophic, yellow pigmented bacterium, designated strain 04OKA003-7(T) was isolated from the hard coral Galaxea fascicularis L. collected at Akajima, Okinawa, Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed the novel isolate is affiliated with the family Flavobacteriaceae of the phylum Bacteroidetes and that it showed highest sequence similarity (92.9 %) to Vitellibacter aestuarii JC2436(T) and Aureitalea marina S1-66(T). The strain could be differentiated phenotypically from recognized members of the family Flavobacteriaceae. The major fatty acids of strain 04OKA003-7(T) were identified as iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH as defined by the MIDI system. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 41 mol%, the major respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and a polar lipid profile was present consisting of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified lipid. From the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, the strain is considered to represent a novel genus for which the name Aureisphaera galaxeae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of A. galaxeae is 04OKA003-7(T) (=KCTC 32993(T) = NBRC 110018(T)).

An intense yellow pigmented strain (SUR2(T)) isolated from dehydrated activated sludge was studied in detail to clarify its taxonomic assignment. Cells of the isolate showed a rod-shaped morphology and stained Gram-negative. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed highest similarities to the type strains of Chryseobacterium polytrichastri YG4-6(T) (98.6 %), Chryseobacterium aahli T68F(T) (97.9 %), Chryseobacterium daeguense K105(T) and Chryseobacterium gregarium DSM 79109(T) (both 97.4 %). 16S rRNA gene-sequence similarities to all other Chryseobacterium species were below 97.3 %. The fatty acid analysis of strain SUR2(T) revealed a Chryseobacterium typical profile composed mainly of the fatty acids C15:0 iso, C15:0 iso 2-OH, C17:1 iso ω9c, and C17:0 iso 3-OH. DNA-DNA hybridizations with the type strains of C. polytrichastri, C. aahli, C. daeguense and C. gregarium resulted in values below 70 %. Differentiating biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties showed differences to the most closely related species and suggest that the isolate SUR2(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Chryseobacterium limigenitum sp. nov. (type strain SUR2(T) = ZIM B1019(T) = CCM 8594(T) = LMG 28734(T)) is proposed.

A yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain GZGR-4(T), was isolated from the root of Hylomecon japonica (Thunb.) Prantl et Kündig collected from Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi Province, north-west China. Cells of strain GZGR-4(T) were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, non-endospore-forming and non-motile. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GZGR-4(T) is a member of the genus Sphingobium, exhibiting the highest sequence similarity to Sphingobium aromaticiconvertens DSM 12677(T) (97.3 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain GZGR-4(T) and the type strains of other Sphingobium species with validly published names ranged from 93.4-96.5 %. The predominant respiratory quinone of strain GZGR-4(T) was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C14:0 2-OH. Spermidine was the major polyamine. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, one unidentified phosphoglycolipid, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content was 63.6 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness for strain GZGR-4(T) with respect to its closest phylogenetic relative S. aromaticiconvertens DSM 12677(T) was 22.6 ± 5.3 %. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic data presented, strain GZGR-4(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GZGR-4(T) (=CCTCC AB 2013305(T) = KCTC 32447(T)).

A slightly yellow pigmented strain (JM-534(T)) isolated from the rhizoplane of a field-grown Zea mays plant was investigated using a polyphasic approach for its taxonomic allocation. Cells of the isolate were observed to be rod-shaped and to stain Gram-negative. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate had the highest sequence similarities to Chryseobacterium lactis (98.9 %), Chryseobacterium joostei and Chryseobacterium indologenes (both 98.7 %), and Chryseobacterium viscerum (98.6 %). Sequence similarities to all other Chryseobacterium species were 98.5 % or below. The fatty acid analysis of the strain resulted in a Chryseobacterium typical pattern consisting mainly of the fatty acids C15:0 iso, C15:0 iso 2-OH, C17:1 iso ω9c, and C17:0 iso 3-OH. DNA-DNA hybridizations with the type strains of C. lactis, C. joostei, C. viscerum and C. indologenes resulted in values below 70 %. Genomic fingerprinting showed that the isolate was very different to the type strains of these species. Differentiating biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties showed that the isolate JM-534(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Chryseobacterium rhizoplanae sp. nov. (type strain JM-534(T) = LMG 28481(T) = CCM 8544(T) = CIP 110828(T)) is proposed.

Three strains designated 221-F1(T), 221-F2 and 3030-F1 were isolated from the Matapan Vavilov Deep canyon, also known as Calypso Deep in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, at a depth of 4,908 m. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis these strains were found to be most closely related to Palleronia marisminoris and Hwanghaeicola aestuarii, with 16S rRNA gene pairwise sequence similarity of 95.3 and 94.7 % respectively, belonging to the family Rhodobacteraceae. The strains were observed to be red-pigmented and to form non-motile cocci or pleomorphic cells. The cells were found to stain Gram-negative, to be strictly aerobic, oxidase and catalase positive. Strains 221-F1(T), 221-F2 and 3030-F1 were found to be mesophilic and to grow in medium containing up to 13 % NaCl. The major polar lipids of the three strains were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified aminolipid. Ubiquinone 10 (U-10) was found to be the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of strain 221-F1(T) was determined to be 64.7 mol%. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and biochemical characteristics we describe a new species represented by strain 221-F1(T) (=CECT 8504(T) = LMG 27977(T)) for which we propose the name Palleronia abyssalis sp. nov. We also propose to emend the description of the genus Palleronia and the species P. marisminoris to reflect new results obtained in this study.

A novel actinobacterium, designated MM109(T), was isolated from a moonmilk deposit collected from the cave 'Grotte des Collemboles' located in Comblain-au-Pont, Belgium. Based on a polyphasic taxonomic approach comprising chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, morphological, and physiological characterization, the isolate has been affiliated to the genus Streptomyces. Multilocus sequence analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and five other house-keeping genes (atpD, gyrB, rpoB, recA and trpB) showed that the MM109(T) isolate is sufficiently distinct from its closest relative, Streptomyces peucetius strain AS 4.1799(T), as to represent a novel species. The phylogenetic distinctiveness of the taxon represented by isolate MM109(T) was supported by the isolation and identification of additional twelve moonmilk-derived isolates, which according to multilocus sequence analysis were clustered along with MM109(T). Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed complex and diversified structures within a MM109(T) colony, made from branching vegetative mycelia. The spore chains of the MM109(T) isolate undergo complete septation at the late stages of the morphological differentiation process, leading to the formation of packs of smooth cylindrical-shaped spores. Isolate MM109(T) produces several intracellular and diffusible pigments, particularly an intracellular green-pigmented secondary metabolite, which was identified through UPLC-ESI-MS analysis as ferroverdin A, an iron-chelating molecule formerly extracted and characterized from Streptomyces sp. strain WK-5344. The isolate MM109(T) is thus considered to represent a novel species of Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces lunaelactis sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain MM109(T) (=DSM 42149(T) = BCCM/LMG 28326(T)).

Two halophilic archaeal strains, R60(T) and R61, were isolated from the brine of salted brown alga Laminaria. Cells of the two strains were observed to be rod-shaped, stain Gram-negative and to lyse in distilled water. Strain R60(T) was found to contain gas vacuoles and to produce pink-pigmented colonies, while strain R61 lacked gas vacuoles and produces red-pigmented colonies. Both strains were found to be able to grow at 20-50 °C (optimum 30 °C), at 1.7-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6-3.1 M NaCl), at 0-1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.005-0.1 M MgCl2) and at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0). The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and one major glycolipid chromatographically identical to a sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether produced by Halorubrum members of the Halobacteriaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were 99.9 % identical, showing 94.6-98.0 % similarity to those of members of the genus Halorubrum. The EF-2 gene similarity between strains R60(T) and R60 was 100 % and showed 84.6-94.5 % similarity to those of members of the genus Halorubrum. The DNA G+C contents of the two strains were determined to be 63.0 mol %. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain R60(T) and strain R61 was 92 % and the two strains showed low DNA-DNA relatedness with the most related members of Halorubrum. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain R60(T) (= CGMCC 1.12689(T) = JCM 30040(T)) and strain R61 (= CGMCC 1.12696) represent a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum laminariae sp. nov. is proposed.

Many species of dimorphic basidiomycetes are known only in their asexual phase and typically those pigmented in different hues of red have been classified in the large polyphyletic genus Rhodotorula. These yeasts are ubiquitous and include a few species of some clinical relevance. The phylogenetic distribution of Rhodotorula spans three classes: Microbotryomycetes, Cystobasidiomycetes and Exobasidiomycetes. Here, the presented multi-gene analyses resolved phylogenetic relationships between the second largest group of Rhodotorula and the mycoparasite Cystobasidium fimetarium (Cystobasidiales, Cystobasidiomycetes, Pucciniomycotina). Based on the results, we propose the transfer of nine species belonging to the Rhodotorula minuta clade into the genus Cystobasidium. As a result, the clinically relevant species R. minuta will be renamed Cystobasidium minutum. This proposal follows ongoing reassessments of the anamorphic genus Rhodotorula reducing the polyphyly of this genus. The delimitation of the R. minuta clade from Rhodotorula species comprised in Sporidiobolales including the type species Rhodotorula glutinis is an important step to overcome obsolete generic placements of asexual basidiomycetous yeasts. Our proposal will also help to distinguish most common red yeasts from clinical samples such as members of Sporidiobolales and Cystobasidiales. The diagnosis of the genus Cystobasidium is amended by including additional characteristics known for the related group of species. The taxonomic change enables us to classify two novel species with the phylogenetically related members of the R. minuta clade in Cystobasidium. The recently from natural environments isolated species are described here as Cystobasidium psychroaquaticum f.a. sp. nov. (K-833(T) = KBP 3881(T) = VKPM Y-3653(T) = CBS 11769(T) = MUCL 52875(T) = DSM 27713(T)) and Cystobasidium rietchiei f.a. sp. nov. (K-780(T) = KBP 4220(T) = VKPM Y-3658(T) = CBS 12324(T) = MUCL 53589(T) = DSM 27155(T)). The new species were registered in MycoBank under MB 809336 and MB 809337, respectively.

A halophilic archaeal strain, SKJ47(T), was isolated from a commercial preparation of the brown alga Laminaria produced at Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. Cells of the strain were observed to be short rods, stain Gram-negative, and to form red-pigmented colonies on solid media. Strain SKJ47(T) was found to be able to grow at 20-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.9-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 2.6-3.1 M), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0). The cells lysed in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was found to be 5% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and two glycolipids chromatographically identical to those of Halopenitus persicus IBRC 10041(T). The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain SKJ47(T) were found to be phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halopenitus malekzadehii IBRC-M 10418(T) (96.3 and 91.9% nucleotide identity, respectively) and Hpt. persicus IBRC 10041(T) (96.2 and 93.8%). The DNA G+C content of strain SKJ47(T) was determined to be 65.0 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain SKJ47(T) (=CGMCC 1.12229(T) = JCM 18641(T)) represents a new species of the genus Halopenitus, for which the name Halopenitus salinus sp. nov. is proposed.

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped and yellow pigmented bacterium, designated strain IDSW-73(T), was isolated from a seawater sample and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the novel strain formed a distinct phyletic line in the family Flavobacteriaceae and is most closely related to the members of the genus Leeuwenhoekiella, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 91.4-92.6 %. Strain IDSW-73(T) was found to be able to grow with 0-12 % NaCl and at 4-33 °C; and was able to hydrolyse gelatin, starch and Tweens 20, 40 and 80. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 42.2 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids were identified as branched-chain saturated and unsaturated and straight-chain unsaturated fatty acids such as iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1, iso-C17:1 ω9c, C15:1 ω6c, iso-C15:0 3-OH, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (as defined by MIDI), comprising iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1 ω7c. The polar lipids found were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminolipids and one unknown lipid. The major respiratory quinone was identified as MK-6. The significant molecular distinctiveness between the novel isolate and its nearest neighbours were strongly supported by notable differences in physiological and biochemical tests. Therefore, strain IDSW-73(T) is considered to represent a novel genus and species within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Flavimarina pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IDSW-73(T) (=KCTC 32466(T) = KMM 6759(T)). Emended descriptions of the recognized species of the genus Leeuwenhoekiella are also proposed.

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 C15:0 and iso-C15:0; 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)).

A challenge in the rational exploitation of microbial culture collections is to avoid superfluous testing of replicas. MALDI-TOF MS has been shown to be an efficient dereplication tool as it can be used to discriminate between bacterial isolates at the species level. A bacterial culture collection of more than 10,000 heterotrophic marine bacterial isolates from sea-water surface layers of the Norwegian Trondheimsfjord and neighbouring coastal areas has been established. A sub-collection of pigmented isolates was earlier screened for novel carotenoids with UVA-Blue light absorbing properties. This was a comprehensive analytical task and it was observed that a significant number of extracts with identical pigment profile were recovered. Hence, this study was undertaken to explore the use of MALDI-TOF MS as a dereplication tool to quickly characterize the bacterial collection. Furthermore, LC-DAD-MS analysis of pigment profiles was performed to check if pigment profile diversity was maintained among isolates kept after the potential MALDI-TOF MS selection step. Four hundred isolates comprising both pigmented and non-pigmented isolates were used for this study. The resulting MALDI-TOF MS dendrogram clearly identified a diversity of different taxa and these were supported by the pigment profile clustering, thus linking the pigment production as species-specific properties. Although one exception was found, it can be concluded that MALDI-TOF MS dereplication is a promising pre-screening tool for more efficient screening of microbial culture collection containing pigments with potential novel properties.

Forty-one cultures degrading and assimilating oxalate were isolated from chicken dung. Characterizarion indicated six different types. One of these belonged to thhe genus Alcaligenes hitherto never reported to degrade oxalte. Three groups of Pseudomonas strains differed physiologically from strains already known.

A sample from a hot spring on the northern island of New Zealand contained five different thermophilic bacterial strains. One strain with peculiar properties, i.e. the formation of dark yellow colonies at 30 degrees C as well as at 70 degrees C, was further characterized. It was found to be a gram-positive, facultatively aerobic, motile Bacillus species, with terminal endospores. According to the physiologic properties the strain closely resembled B. coagulans. However, two typical characteristics were contradictory to this conclusion, namely the intense yellow pigmentation of the colonies and the range of growth temperature. The latter was found to reach from 40 to 70 degrees C, with an optimum at 60 degrees C under aerobic and at 65 degrees C under anaerobic conditions. Growth at moderate temperatures was slower than at 60 degrees C, but the final cell yields were almost equal. The strain can therefore be considered as facultatively thermophilic. The pigment, which was found to be located in the cytoplasmic membrane, was spectroscopically identified as a carotenoid. Because the characteristics of this strain did not correspond with any of the Bacillus species described thus far, we concluded, that we had isolated a novel strain, for which the name Bacillus flavothermus is proposed.