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The taxonomic position of two isolates, SGD-V-76T and SGD-M-37, isolated from sediment sample of Veraval coast, India, was examined using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of these two organisms are typical of the genus Priestia. The phylogenetic analyses performed using almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that the isolate belongs to the Bacillaceae family, and forms a clade within the cluster containing Priestia flexus MTCC 2909T, Priestia aryabhattai B8W22T and Priestia megaterium KCTC 3007T and both strains showed highest similarity of > 98% with 3–29 nucleotide differences. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the G + C content of strains was 37.5–37.7 mol%. However, the DNA–DNA hybridization and the phenotypic characteristics revealed that, the strain SGD-V-76T and strain SGD-M-37 are similar species but different from any known Priestia species with ANI values of 79.2, 79.3 and 79.2 and the dDDH values of 17.7, 17.8 and 18.0% respectively. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and the results of biochemical and physiological tests, and genomic data strain SGD-V-76T was clearly distinguished from closely related members of the Priestia genus. Based on the above data analysis strain SGD-V-76T (= DSM28242T = KCTC33802T = CIP111056T = NCIM5510T) represents a novel species of the genus Priestia, and we propose the name Priestia veravalensis sp. nov.

The species "Bacillus aminovorans" was categorized as species Incertae Sedis meaning taxa with uncertain taxonomic position because of insufficient description of phenotypic properties and lack of understanding of its phylogenetic relationship (Claus and Berkeley [5]). In this study two strains "B. aminovorans" DSM 1314T and DSM 4337 were phenotypically and phylogenomically analyzed. The strains are Gram-staining-positive, spore forming rods and unable to utilize/ferment most of the sugars tested except glucose. The major fatty acids are anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an aminophosphoglycolipid. The cell wall peptidoglycan is of A1γ type with meso-Dpm as the diamino acid. The menaquinone type present is MK-6. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of the type strain is 40.8mol%. These characteristics were found to be in line with description of the genus Domibacillus. Moreover phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence retrieved "B. aminovorans" within the genus Domibacillus with D. antri XD 80T as the closest relative. Additionally genome sequencing of the strains and their comparison with whole genome sequences of other Domibacillus spp. confirmed their distinctiveness and separate species status within the genus based on parameters of genome to genome distance calculator (GGDC) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values. Therefore a novel species Domibacillus aminovorans sp. nov. (DSM 1314T=LMG 16796T) is proposed.

The species Bacillus badius is one of the oldest members of the genus Bacillus isolated from faeces of children and was classified based on its ability to form endospores [8]. In 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, Bacillus badius DSM 23T shared low similarity (93.0%) and distant relationship with B. subtilis, the type species of the genus Bacillus indicating that it does not belong to this genus. Additional strains of the species, B. badius DSM 5610, DSM 30822 and B. encimensis SGD-V-25 (which has been recently reclassified as a member of this species) were included in the study to consider intraspecies diversity. Detailed molecular phylogenetic and comparative genome analysis clearly showed that the strains of B. badius were consistently retrieved outside the cluster of Bacillus sensu stricto and also distantly related to the genera Domibacillus and Quasibacillus. Further, the data from biochemical reactions (inability to ferment most carbohydrates), polar lipids profile (presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an aminophosphoglycolipid) and fatty acids supported the molecular analysis. Thus the four B. badius strains; DSM 23T, DSM 5610, DSM 30822 and SGD-V-25 displayed sufficient demarcating phenotypic characteristics that warrant their classification as members of a novel genus and single species, for which the name Pseudobacillus badius gen. nov. comb. nov. is proposed with Pseudobacillus badius DSM 23T (= ATCC 14574T) as the type strain. Additionally, based on our findings from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic parameters, Bacillus wudalianchiensis DSM 100757T was reclassified as Pseudobacillus wudalianchiensis comb. nov.

An investigation into the taxonomic position of Bacillus isronensis MTCC 7902T revealed that the strain shares a common phylogenetic lineage with Solibacillus silvestris MTCC 10789T. It displays considerable overlap in phenotypic properties with the genus Solibacillus, including endospore shape and position, oxidase and catalase activities, presence of iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c alcohol and iso-C17 : 1ω7c as major cellular fatty acids, A4α-type cell-wall peptidoglycan, polar lipids and menaquinone pattern. These features reinforce the findings of molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene, gyrB gene and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences and, in line with the recommendations of Kämpfer et al. [Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 56 (2006), 781-786], provide justification for the transfer of Bacillus isronensis from the genus Bacillus to Solibacillus as Solibacillus isronensis comb. nov. The type strain is B3W22T ( = MTCC 7902T = DSM 21046T = JCM 13838T). An emended description of the genus Solibacillus is also provided.

The taxonomic positions of three Gram-stain-positive, aerobic strains, designated YIM 75722, 75726 and 75728T, and isolated from a soil sample collected from Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh province, India, were assessed using a polyphasic approach. Growth was observed at pH 7.0–10.0 (optimum pH 7.0), 15–28 °C (optimum 28 °C) and 0–8 % (w/v) NaCl (grew without NaCl). Strains showed cylindrical spores with straight-chain morphology on aerial mycelium, but did not reveal sporangium-like structures or fragmentation of the substrate mycelium. Whole-cell hydrolysates of all strains contained galactose and ribose as the diagnostic sugars and meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4); MK-9 (H6) and MK-10 (H4) were present in smaller amounts. The phospholipid pattern consisted mainly of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The major fatty acids were i-C15 : 0, ai-C15 : 0, i-C17 : 0 and ai-C17 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that strain YIM 75728T should be placed within the family Pseudonocardiaceae, in which the strain formed a distinct lineage. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data support the conclusion that strain YIM 75728T represents a novel species of a novel genus of the family Pseudonocardiaceae for which the name Actinorectispora indica gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. Strain YIM 75728T ( = DSM 45410T = CCTCC AA 209065T) is the type strain of Actinorectispora indica. Strain YIM 75728T was considered as the type strain over the other two strains based on the highest sequence read length of the strain.

A novel alkaliphilic actinomycete, strain NCL716(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the vicinity of Lonar Lake, an alkaline salt water meteorite lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra State in India. The strain was characterised using a polyphasic taxonomic approach which confirmed that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces. Growth was observed over a pH range of 7-11 at 28 °C. The cell wall was found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid and traces of meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acid components were identified as iso-C16:0 (46.8 %), C17:1 (12.4 %), anteiso-C15:0 (5.1 %) and anteiso-C17:1 (4.8 %). The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The major menaquinones were determined to be MK-9 (H6) (70.3 %), MK-9 (H4) (15.5 %) and MK-9 (H8) (7.2 %). The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain was determined to be 71.4 mol %. The 16S rRNA gene sequence has been deposited in GenBank with accession number FJ919811. Although the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain NCL716(T) shares >99 % similarity with that of Streptomyces bohaiensis strain 11A07(T), DNA-DNA hybridization revealed only 33.2 ± 3.0 % relatedness between them. Moreover, these two strains can be readily distinguished by some distinct phenotypic characteristics. Hence, on the basis of phenotypic and genetic analyses, it is proposed that strain NCL716(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces lonarensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is NCL 716(T) (=DSM 42084(T) = MTCC 11708(T) = KCTC 39684(T)).

A cultivation-based study of the microbial diversity of cellular phone screens led to the isolation of a Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-endospore-forming bacterium, designated S2T63T, exhibiting phenotypic and genotypic characteristics unique to the type strains of closely related species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain is a member of Microbacterium , and most closely related to Microbacterium aurantiacum IFO 15234T and Microbacterium kitamiense Kitami C2T. The DNA–DNA relatedness values of the strain S2T63T to M. aurantiacum KACC 20510T, M. kitamiense KACC 20514Tand Microbacterium laevaniformans KACC 14463T were 65 % (±4), 29.5 % (±3) and 55.9 % (±4), respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 71.8 mol%. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified polar lipids. The peptidoglycan contained the amino acids glycine, lysine, alanine and glutamic acid, with substantial amounts of hydroxy glutamic acid detected, which is characteristic of peptidoglycan type B1α. The predominant menaquinones were MK-12 and MK-13. Rhamnose, fucose and galactose were the whole-cell sugars detected. The strain also showed biofilm production, estimated by using crystal violet assay. Based on the results of the phenotypic and genotypic characterizations, it was concluded that the new strain represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium , for which the name Microbacteriumtelephonicum is proposed, with S2T63T (=MCC 2967T=KACC 18715T=LMG 29293T) as the type strain.

A novel bacterial strain NIO-1130(T) was isolated from sediment sample taken from Chorao Island, Goa Province, India, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation. The strain was Gram-positive, aerobic, and motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the isolate within the genus Bacillus and strain NIO-1130(T) showed highest sequence similarity with Bacillus halosaccharovorans DSM 25387(T) (98.4%) and Bacillus niabensis CIP 109816(T) (98.1%), whereas other Bacillus species showed

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, aerobic bacterium designated SGD-V-25T was isolated from Veraval sediment sample, India. Strain SGD-V-25T was capable of growing at 25–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 6–12 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0–5 % (w/v) NaCl. The taxonomic position of this strain was deduced using a polyphasic approach and the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belongs to the phylum Firmicutes , forming the cluster with Bacillus badius MTCC 1548T, with which it shares highest similarity of 99.1 % with 13 nt differences. Other type strains of the genus Bacillus showed less than 96 % similarity. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipid profile of strain SGD-V-25T showed the presence of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phsophoglycolipid and two aminophospholipids. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω11c and C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SGD-V-25T was 37.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA hybridization, strain SGD-V-25T could be clearly distinguished from closely related members of the genus Bacillus , and the name Bacillus encimensis sp. nov., is proposed to accommodate this strain. The type strain is SGD-V-25T ( = NCIM 5513T = DSM 28241T).

A novel, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped yellow bacterium, designated VBW088T was isolated from a shallow water hydrothermal vent in Espalamaca in the Azores. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain VBW088T clustered with three type strains of species of the genus Vitellibacter and exhibited a sequence similarity of 97.3 % with Vitellibacter soesokkakensis RSSK-12T. However, strain VBW088T and V. soesokkakensis RSSK-12T exhibited low DNA–DNA relatedness (12.7±3.5 %). Strain VBW088T was positive for catalase and oxidase. Growth occurred at 10–37 °C, with the optimum at 30 °C, and at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 6.0) and in up to 5 % (w/v) NaCl with optimum growth at 1–2 % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0 (33.5 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (32.0 %). The polar lipids detected in strain VBW088T consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content of strain VBW088T was 36.7 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic inference, DNA–DNA relatedness, chemotaxonomic analysis and physiological data, the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Vitellibacter , for which the name Vitellibacter nionensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain as VBW088T ( = KCTC 32420T = MCC 2354T).

A novel Gram-negative, non-spore forming, rod-shaped aerobic bacterium, designated SSW136(T), was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected at Espalamaca (in Faial Island), Azores. Growth was found to occur from 10 to 37 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and with 2-11 % of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain SSW136(T) belongs to the family Rhodobacteraceae. Strain SSW136(T) exhibited 96.3, 95.9, 95.7 and 95.5 sequence similarity to the type strains Oceanicola litoreus M-M22(T), Roseovarius aestuarii SMK-122(T), Marivita geojedonensis DPG-138(T), and Pseudoruegeria aquimaris SW-255(T) respectively. Neighbour-joining and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SSW136(T) was affiliated to the family Rhodobacteraceae and formed a separate branch. The G+C content was 63.5 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was found to be Q-10. The polar lipids of strain SSW136(T) consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c (46.5 %), Cyclo-C19:0 ω8c (16.0 %) and C16:0 (12.8 %). On the basis of the morphological, genotypic, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low DNA-DNA relatedness, strain SSW136(T) is proposed to represent a novel genus and novel species, Nioella nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Rhodobacteraceae. The type strain is SSW136(T) (=KCTC 32417(T) = NCIM 5499(T)).

A novel Gram-stain positive, endospore-forming bacterium, designated SGD-14(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample in Goa Province, India. Cells of the isolate were found to be strictly aerobic. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SGD-14(T) showed a similarity of 99.5 % with Bacillus endophyticus and similarities to other Bacillus type strains were below 96 %. The whole-cell sugar pattern was found to consist of ribose, xylose and glucose. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-7 and the major fatty acids as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0, C16:0 and iso-C14:0. The strain was found to grow optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.0-7.5. DNA G + C content was determined to be 39.6 mol%. The phospholipid pattern was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. DNA-DNA hybridization studies between strain SGD-14(T) and B. endophyticus CIP106778(T) showed that strain SGD-14(T) exhibited

Hot springs support diverse and interesting groups of microorganisms adapted to extreme conditions and gaining attention in biotechnological applications. However, due to limitations of cultivation methods, a majority of such extremophiles remain uncultivated and unexplored. The advent of multiple cultivation conditions and specialized culture media could possibly aid to access the unexplored microbial portion of hot springs. In the present study, different media and isolation strategies were applied to isolate hitherto unexplored bacterial taxa in the water samples collected from Unkeshwar hot springs, India. Molecular, phylogenetic and predictive functional characterization of the isolated bacterial population was done using 16S rRNA sequencing coupled with Tax4Fun tools. Furthermore, representative isolates were screened for important enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, amylase, and protease) and heavy metal tolerance (chromium, arsenic) properties. A total of 454 bacterial isolates obtained were mapped into 57 unique bacterial genera and 4 different bacterial phyla. Interestingly, 37 genera not previously isolated from Indian hot springs, were isolated for the first time in the present study. However, most of these genera (23 out of 37) were reported only in metagenomics studies from Indian and global hot springs. Furthermore, around 14 genera not previously cultivated and not detected in metagenomics studies of hot springs are documented here. The metabolic potential was ascertained by determining the abundance of specific genes using in silico based Tax4Fun tool, which identified around 315 metabolic pathways for metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis of secondary metabolites and degradation of xenobiotic compounds. Bioprospection study revealed that 33 and 25 bacterial genera were positive for enzyme production and resistance to the heavy metals, respectively. The present study revealed the advantages of cultivation methods using a comprehensive multiple isolation approach for exploring untapped and unique bacterial diversity, and also utilities for various biotechnological and environmental applications.

A novel Gram-stain-negative bacterium, strain S-MI1bT, belonging to the genus Microvirga was isolated from a metal industry waste soil sample in Pirangut village, Pune District, Maharashtra, India. Cells were non-spore-forming, small rod-shapes, motile and strictly aerobic with light-pink colonies. The strain grew in 0–7.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at 25–45 °C, with optimal growth at 40 °C. The predominant fatty acids detected were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The G+C content was 67.2 mol% and DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain S-MI1bTand Microvirga subterranea DSM 14364T and Microvirga aerophila 5420S-12T were 53.9 and 54.8 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain S-MI1bT is a member of the genus Microvirga , with greatest sequence similarities of 97.7 and 97.4 % with M. subterranea DSM 14364T and M. aerophila 5420S-12T, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain S-MI1bT forms a clade with the type strain of M. subterranea DSM 14364T, and was readily distinguishable from it due to various phenotypic characteristics. The combination of genotypic and phenotypic data suggests that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Microvirga , for which the name Microvirga indica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S-MI1bT (=NCIM-5595T=KACC 18792T=BCRC 80972T).

While studying culturable bacterial diversity in different marine habitats of the central west coast of India, two novel Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strains designated as SAOS 44T and SAB 38T were isolated from mangrove sediment soil and the surface of a macroalga, respectively. The strains were taxonomically characterized by using a polyphasic approach and genomic methods. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed the strains firmly in the genus Domibacillus and were most closely related to Domibacillus antri KCTC 33636T. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol in addition to an aminophosphoglycolipid. MK-6 was the only respiratory quinone. The range of values of digital DNA-DNA hybridization (19.2-24.9 %) and the ortho-average nucleotide identity (74.1-81.4 %) among strains SAOS 44T, SAB 38T and other Domibacillus species clearly supports their status as a distinct and novel species for which the names Domibacillusmangrovi sp. nov. SAOS 44T (=DSM 100930T=KCTC 33820T=MTCC 12571T) and Domibacillus epiphyticus sp. nov. SAB 38T (=DSM 100929T=KCTC 33830T=MTCC 12575T) are proposed, respectively.

Two novel Gram-staining positive, rod-shaped, moderately halotolerant, endospore forming bacterial strains 5.5LF 38TD and 5.5LF 48TD were isolated and taxonomically characterized from a landfill in Chandigarh, India. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains confirmed their closest identity to Bacillus thermotolerans SgZ-8T with 99.9% sequence similarity. A comparative phylogenetic analysis of strains 5.5LF 38TD, 5.5LF 48TD and B. thermotolerans SgZ-8T confirmed their separation into a novel genus with B. badius and genus Domibacillus as the closest phylogenetic relatives. The major fatty acids of the strains are iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 and MK-7 is the only quinone. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and ortho average nucleotide identity (ANI) values calculated through whole genome sequences indicated that the three strains showed low relatedness with their phylogenetic neighbours. Based on evidences from phylogenomic analyses and polyphasic taxonomic characterization we propose reclassification of the species B. thermotolerans into a novel genus named Quasibacillus thermotolerans gen. nov., comb. nov with the type strain SgZ-8T (=CCTCC AB2012108T=KACC 16706T). Further our analyses also revealed that B. encimensis SGD-V-25T is a later heterotypic synonym of Bacillus badius DSM 23T.

Microbial diversity in geothermal waters of the Unkeshwar hot springs in Maharashtra, India, was studied using 16S rRNA amplicon metagenomic sequencing. Taxonomic analysis revealed the presence of Bacteroidetes , Proteobacteria , Cyanobacteria , Actinobacteria , Archeae , and OD1 phyla. Metabolic function prediction analysis indicated a battery of biological information systems indicating rich and novel microbial diversity, with potential biotechnological applications in this niche.

A Gram positive, rod-shaped potential strain was selected from the pool of bacterial isolates obtained from the Western Ghats forest (India) on the basis of zone of P-solubilization activity. Identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain is of Bacillus species, sharing highest sequence similarity to Bacillus tequilensis NRRL B-41771T (99.5%). Strain NII-0943 was able to produce good amount of indole acetic acid (IAA) and was positive for siderophore production. In addition to IAA and siderophore attributes, strain NII-0943 also possessed the characteristics like Ca3(PO4)2 solubilization and growth in nitrogen-free medium. Seed inoculation with the strain NII-0943 resulted in significantly higher root initiation in black pepper cuttings grown under pots. The contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in both soil and plant were also enhanced significantly in treatments inoculated with these bacterial inocula. Hence, based on this evidence it is proposed that strain NII-0943 could be deployed as a plant growth-promoting inoculant to attain the desired results of bacterization.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive, aerobic bacterium designated as NII-0918(T) was isolated from soil sample in Western ghat forest, India. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NII-0918(T) belongs to the subclass α-Proteobacteria, being related to the genus Paracoccus, and sharing highest sequence similarity with Paracoccus chinensis NBRC 104937(T) (99.4%), Paracoccus marinus NBRC 100640(T) (97.3%), Paracoccus koreensis Ch05(T) (97.1%) and Paracoccus kondratievae GB(T) (97.0%). Other members of Paracoccus showed below 97.0% similarity. The DNA-DNA hybridization values between these four strains and NII-0918(T) were 44.7, 28, 32 and 41%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain NII-0918(T) were summed feature 7 (C18:1 ω7c/ω 9t/ω 12t) (83.0%) and C18:0 (12.5%). Ubiquinone Q-10 was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The G+C content of genomic DNA of NII-0918(T) was 66.6 mol%. On the basis of physiological, morphological, chemotaxonomical and DNA-DNA hybridization data, it is proposed that strain NII-0918(T) should be placed as a novel species, for which we propose Paracoccus niistensis sp. nov. The type strain is NII-0918(T) (CCTCC AA 209055(T) = NCIM 5340(T) = KCTC 22789(T)).

A strictly aerobic, motile, short-rod-shaped, Gram-positive-staining actinomycete strain, designated MSL-01(T), was isolated from a sediment sample from Bigeum Island of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate MSL-01(T) belonged to the genus Nocardioides, with the highest sequence similarity to Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) (98.54 %), but the DNA-DNA relatedness to this type strain was 34 %. The physiological properties of strain MSL-01(T) differ from those of Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) and other species of Nocardioides. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-01(T) is ll-diaminopimelic acid, the major menaquinone is MK-8(H(4)) and iso-C(16 : 0) is the major fatty acid component. The name Nocardioides sediminis sp. nov. is proposed for the novel species, with the type strain MSL-01(T) (=DSM 19263(T) =KCTC 19271(T)).

An actinomycete strain, designated MSL-03(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island in the Republic of Korea. The coccoid cells of the organism were Gram-positive and non-motile and did not form endospores. The colonies were yellow, small, circular with entire margins and contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the peptidoglycan. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), 10-methyl C(17 : 0), iso-C(14 : 0) and C(17 : 1)omega8c. The DNA G+C content was 73.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence positioned strain MSL-03(T) in a clade comprising Phycicoccus jejuensis KSW2-15(T) and Phycicoccus dokdonensis DS-8(T). The organism showed the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to P. dokdonensis DS-8(T) (99.58 % over 1424 nt), with differences in 64 positions out of 1488. The levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with its closest neighbours (

A Gram-positive, motile, mesophilic bacterium that formed yellowish-white, circular, convex, glistening colonies, strain MSL-27T, was isolated from a soil sample from Bigeum Island, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain MSL-27T are non-spore-forming, irregular rods, usually fragmenting into shorter rods or coccoid elements. The growth temperature and pH ranges are 20-37 degrees C and pH 6.0-12.0, with optimum growth at 28 degrees C and pH 8.0. MK-11 is the major menaquinone and dl-2,4-diaminobutyric acid is found in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major fatty acids are i-C16:0 (39 %), ai-C15:0 (36 %), ai-C17:0 (18 %) and i-C15:0 (2 %). The G+C content is 69.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MSL-27T should be placed in the genus Leifsonia. Levels of similarity between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MSL-27T and those of the type strains of the other members of the genus Leifsonia ranged from 95.8 to 96.7 %. Based on phenotypic characteristics, biochemical properties and chemotaxonomic features, strain MSL-27T (=KCTC 19268T =DSM 19322T) represents the type strain of a novel species of Leifsonia, for which the name Leifsonia bigeumensis sp. nov. is proposed.

A pink- to light-reddish-pigmented, aerobic, pointed, budding, mesophilic strain designated MSL-20T was isolated from soil from Bigeum island, Korea. The isolate was Gram-negative. Cells were motile rods without flagella. The temperature and pH for growth were 20-37 degrees C (optimum 28 degrees C) and pH 7.0-11.0 (optimum pH 7.0+/-0.2). Q-10 was the predominant respiratory ubiquinone. The major fatty acids were C16:0 (37 %), C18: 1 omega7c (36 %) and 11-methyl C18:1 omega7c (12 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that Rubellimicrobium thermophilum DSM 16684T was its closest neighbour (95.2 % similarity); the isolate had less than 97.0 % similarity to all species with validly published names. Chemotaxonomic data were determined for this isolate, including peptidoglycan type, diagnostic sugar composition, fatty acid profiles, ubiquinones and polar lipids; the results supported the affiliation of strain MSL-20T to the genus Rubellimicrobium. The DNA G+C content was 72.3 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain MSL-20(T) represents a novel species of the genus Rubellimicrobium, for which the name Rubellimicrobium mesophilum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-20T (=KCTC 22012T =DSM 19309T).

A short coccoid-rod-shaped, nonmotile actinobacteria strain MSL-11T was isolated from soil in Bigeum Island, Korea. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MSL-11T forms an evolutionary lineage within the radiation of the genus Nocardioides. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-11T contained LL-diaminopimelic acid, indicating wall chemotype I. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). Strain MSL-11T had a cellular fatty acid profile containing straight-chain, branched, unsaturated, and 10-methyl fatty acids, with iso-C16:0 as a major fatty acid component detected. The DNA G + C content of the strain was 71.8 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the strains constituted a distinct subclade within the genus Nocardioides, displaying a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of about 95.68% with Nocardioides jensenii DSM 20641T. On the basis of both phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, the strain is separated from previously described Nocardioides species and should be assigned to represent a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides dilutes sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain MSL-11T (= KCTC 19288T = DSM 19318T).

A novel actinobacterium designated as MSL-26(T) was isolated from soil in Bigeum Island Korea. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic position of isolate MSL-26(T). Strain MSL-26(T) was found to have chemical and morphological characteristics similar to Nocardioides. The strain grew optimally at pH 7.5 and 28 degrees C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MSL-26(T) forms a distinct line of descent within the radiation enclosed by the genus Nocardioides. The cell wall of strain MSL-26(T) contained LL-2, 6-diaminopimelic acid. The principal menaquinone was MK-8 (H(4)). The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and some unidentified lipids. C(18:1) w7c (50.38%) was the major fatty acid. The DNA G + C content of strain MSL-26(T) was 71.4 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MSL-26(T) shares the highest sequence similarity with Nocardioides kribbensis KCTC 19038(T) (95.78%) and Nocardioides aquaticus DSM 11439(T) (95.52%). Based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomical data presented in this study, strain MSL-26(T) should be classified as a novel species, for which the name Nocardioides islandiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-26(T) (=KCTC 19275(T)=DSM 19321(T)).

A mesophilic strain, designated A 9500T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Sobaek Mountain, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew well on different ISP media and no diffusible pigments were produced. The optimum temperature for growth was 32 °C. The aerial mycelium was well developed, but not fragmented. The strain was Gram-positive, non-motile and formed endospores on vegetative and aerial hyphae with a spiny surface. Cell walls of strain A 9500T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid, but no characteristic sugars or other amino acids were found (chemotype-III). The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4) and the minor menaquinone was MK-10(H4) and they were detected at a ratio of 7 : 3. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the diagnostic phospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.4 mol%. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (43.34 %), iso-C16 : 0 (14.23 %) and C16 : 0 (7.90 %), a composition that differed from members of related genera of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae. The novel strain formed a distinct clade in a phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. On the basis of a range of phenotypic and genotypic data and on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (88.35–90.38 %), it is suggested that strain A 9500T represents a novel species in a new genus with the name Shimazuella kribbensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is A 9500T (=KCTC 9933T=DSM 45090T).

A novel aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterial strain, designated UKS3T, was isolated from garden soil, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain UKS3T formed whitish, viscous colonies on nutrient agar and was Gram-staining negative. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, showed that maximum pairwise similarity occurs with representatives of the genus Myroides. The most closely related species include Myroides marinus JS-08T (92.7 % sequence similarity), Myroides phaeus MY15T (92.7 %), Myroides odoratus DSM 2801T (91.5 %) and Myroides odoratimimus CCUG 39352T (91.4 %). Strain UKS3T contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the major respiratory quinone and iso-C15 : 0 (40.2 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (9.4 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (8.5 %) as major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipids and three aminolipids were the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain UKS3T was 36.8 ± 2.0 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular analysis, strain UKS3T represents a novel species of the genus Myroides, for which the name Myroides indicus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is UKS3T ( = DSM 28213T = NCIM 5555T ).

A Gram-stain negative, non-motile, non-spore forming, aerobic and rod or narrow lemon-shaped bacterial strain, VSW210(T), was isolated from surface seawater in a shallow water hydrothermal vent region in Espalamaca (Azores). Strain VSW210(T) was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7 and in the presence of 2-6 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain VSW210(T) clusters with the type strain Citreicella marina CK-I3-6(T) (sequence similarity value of 99.6 %), but DNA-DNA hybridization showed DNA-DNA relatedness between the strain VSW210(T) and C. marina CK-I3-6(T) to be 55.8 ± 3.2 %. The DNA G+C content of strain VSW210(T) was determined to be 67.4 mol%. The cellular fatty acid profiles of strain VSW210(T) was found to contain C18:1 ω7c (80.1 %) and C16:0 (9.2 %). The major polar lipids in strain VSW210(T) were identified as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid. Strain VSW210(T) was found to be able to oxidize soluble Mn(II) to insoluble MnO2, which was confirmed with LBB staining. Differential phenotypic properties and genetic uniqueness revealed that this strain VSW210(T) is distinguishable from other species of the genus Citreicella. On the basis of the data presented, strain VSW210(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Citreicella, for which the name Citreicella manganoxidans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is VSW210(T) (=KCTC 32497(T) = MCC 2286(T)).

A novel bacterium (strain NIO-1002T) belonging to the genus Microbacterium was isolated from a marine sediment sample in Chorao Island, Goa Province, India. Its morphology, physiology, biochemical features and 16S rRNA gene sequence were characterized. Cells of this strain were Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming rods that formed yellow-pigmented colonies. It grew in 0–12 % (w/v) NaCl and at 25–37 °C, with optimal growth at 30 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NIO-1002T is associated with members of the genus Microbacterium, with highest sequence similarity with Microbacterium hominis CIP 105731T (98.1 %) and Microbacterium testaceum KCTC 9103T (98.0 %). Within the phylogenetic tree, this novel strain shared a branching point with M. hominis CIP 105731T. The DNA G+C content was 66.5 mol% and DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness between NIO-1002T, M. hominis CIP 105731T and M. testaceum KCTC 9103T was 39.0 ± 2.0 % and 41.0 ± 2.0 %, respectively. The major fatty acids were ai-C15 : 0, i-C16 : 0 and ai-C17 : 0 and the diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan of NIO-1002T was lysine. Data obtained from DNA–DNA hybridization and chemotaxonomic phenotypic analysis support the conclusion that strain NIO-1002T represents a novel species within the genus Microbacterium. The name Microbacterium enclense sp. nov. is proposed, with NIO-1002T ( = NCIM 5454T = DSM 25125T = CCTCC AB 2011120T) as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated strain NIO-1109T, was isolated from a marine sediment sample from Chorao Island, Goa, India. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and data from phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NIO-1109T was related to the genus Exiguobacterium . Strain NIO-1109T exhibited >98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to Exiguobacterium indicum HHS 31T (99.5 %) and Exiguobacterium acetylicum NCIMB 9889T (99.1 %); the type strains of other species showed T and E. acetylicum DSM 20416T and E. indicum LMG 23471T were less than 70 % (33.0±2.0 and 37±3.2 %, respectively). Strain NIO-1109T also differed from these two closely related species in a number of phenotypic traits. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain NIO-1109T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Exiguobacterium , for which the name Exiguobacterium enclense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1109T ( = NCIM 5457T = DSM 25128T = CCTCC AB 2011124T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile actinomycete strain designated DRQ-2(T) was isolated from the soil sample collected from lime-stone open pit mine from the Gulbarga region, Karnataka province, India. Strain DRQ-2(T) was identified as a member of the genus Nonomuraea by a polyphasic approach. Strain DRQ-2(T) could be differentiated from other members of the genus Nonomuraea on the basis of physiology and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain DRQ-2(T) showed highest sequence similarity to Nonomuraea muscovyensis DSM 45913(T) (99.1%), N. salmonea DSM 43678(T) (98.2%) and N. maheshkhaliensis JCM 13929(T) with 98.0%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic properties showing predominant menaquinones of MK-9 (H4), MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H6), major polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmono methyl ethanolamine (PME), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), hydroxy-PME (OH-PME), hydroxy PE (OH-PEE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), ninhydrin-positive phosphoglycolipid and unknown phospholipid, fatty acids with major amounts of i-C16:0, ai-C15:0 and ai-C17:0 supported allocation of the strain to the genus Nonomuraea. Results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain DRQ-2(T) from closely related species. The genomic DNA G+C content of the organism was 72.5 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotypic and molecular characteristics, strain DRQ-2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name N. indica sp. nov. is proposed, with type strain DRQ-2(T) (=NCIM 5480(T)= CCTCC AA 209050(T)).

A novel pale-pink coloured strain, designated NIO-1023(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample from Chorao Island, Goa, India. The taxonomic position of strain NIO-1023(T) was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The cells were observed to be Gram-stain positive, coccal shaped and non-spore forming. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate indicated that the organism belongs to the genus Deinococcus. The strain NIO-1023(T) showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Deinococcus ficus (97.8 %), whereas other Deinococcus species showed less than 95 % sequence similarity. The DNA-DNA relatedness with respect to D. ficus CC-FR2-10(T) was 23.9 %. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain NIO-1023(T) contains only menaquinone MK-8 as the respiratory quinone and a complex polar lipid profile consisting of different unidentified glycolipids and polar lipids, two unknown phospholipids and three unknown phosphoglycolipids. As in other deinococci, one of these phosphoglycolipids was predominant in the profile. The predominant fatty acids were identified as C17:1 w8c, C16:1 w6c/w7c, C15:1 w6c and C17:1 w9c. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain NIO-1023(T) was determined to be 67.2 mol%. The biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties demonstrate that strain NIO-1023(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Deinococcus enclensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1023(T) (=DSM 25127(T) = NCIM 5456(T)).

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated, NIO-1009T, was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected from Chorao Island, Goa, India. Phylogenetic analysis comparisons based on 16S rRNA gene sequences between strain NIO-1009T and other members of the genus Rhodococcus revealed that strain NIO-1009T had the closest sequence similarity to Rhodococcus kroppenstedtii DSM 44908T and Rhodococcus corynebacterioides DSM 20151T with 99.2 and 99.1 %, respectively. Furthermore, DNA–DNA hybridization results showed that R. kroppenstedtii DSM 44908T and R. corynebacterioides DSM 20151T were 39.5 (3.0 %) and 41.7 (2.0 %) with strain NIO-1009T, respectively, which were well below the 70 % limit for any novel species proposal. Phylogenetically strain NIO-1009T forms a stable clade with and R. kroppenstedtii DSM 44908T and R. corynebacterioides DSM 20151T with 100 % bootstrap values. Strain NIO-1009T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and galactose and arabinose as the cell wall sugars. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 1(ω6c and/or ω7c) and 10-methyl C18 : 0. The only menaquinone detected was MK-8(H2), while the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and one unknown phospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 66.9 mol%. The phenotypic and genotypic data showed that strain NIO-1009T warrants recognition as a novel species of the genus Rhodococcus for which the name Rhodococcus enclensis sp. nov., is proposed; the type strain is NIO-1009T ( = NCIM 5452T = DSM 45688T).

An actinobacterial strain was isolated from a sediment sample from Chorao Island, in Goa province, India, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation. The isolate, designated NIO-1021T, was a Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid. Strain NIO-1021T was identified as a member of the genus Kocuria by a polyphasic approach. Strain NIO-1021T could be differentiated from other members of the genus Kocuria on the basis of physiology and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain NIO-1021T to the most closely related species, Kocuria marina KCTC 9943T, was 98.6 % with 19 nt differences). Furthermore, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis revealed that the novel strain had lower relatedness with the type strains of other members of the genus Kocuria . The strain formed a monophyletic clade with K. marina with 100 % bootstrap values. The major phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified lipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7(H2). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain NIO-1021T was 60.5 mol%. Chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties of the strain were consistent with its classification as representing a member of the genus Kocuria . On the basis of phenotypic, chemotypic and molecular characteristics, strain NIO-1021T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Kocuria , for which the name Kocuria indica sp. nov. is proposed, with strain NIO-1021T ( = NCIM 5455T = DSM 25126T = CCTCC AA 209050T) as the type strain.

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore forming, rod shaped aerobic bacterium, designated strain SSW084(T), was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected at Espalamaca (38°33'N; 28°39'W), Azores. Growth was found to occur from 15 to 40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 25-100 % seawater or 0.5-7.0 % NaCl in the presence of Mg(2+) and Ca(2+); no growth was found with NaCl alone. Colonies on seawater nutrient agar were observed to be punctiform, white, convex, circular, smooth, and translucent. Strain SSW084(T) did not grow on Zobell marine agar and tryptic soy agar even when seawater supplemented. The major respiratory quinone was found to be Q-10 and the G + C content was determined to be 61.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SSW084(T) belongs to the genus Roseovarius and that its closest neighbours are Roseovarius tolerans EL-172(T), Roseovarius mucosus DFL-24(T) and Roseovarius lutimaris 112(T) with 95.7, 95.4 and 95.3 % sequence similarity respectively. The remaining species of Roseovarius showed95 % similarity. The polar lipids of strain SSW084(T) were determined to be phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The major fatty acids identified were identified as C18:1 ω7c (52.5 %) and C16:0 (13.8 %). On the basis of phenotypic, molecular and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SSW084(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which Roseovarius azorensis sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is SSW084(T) (=KCTC 32421(T) = MTCC 11812(T)).

A novel bacterial strain, designated SGD-1123(T) was isolated from Chorao Island, in Goa Province, India. The strain was found to be able to grow at 15-42 °C, pH 5-12 and 0-12 % (w/v) NaCl. The whole cell hydrolysates were found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, galactose and arabinose. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0, MK-7 was identified as the predominant menaquinone and the predominant polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminolipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 44.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the isolate within the genus Bacillus and further revealed that strain SGD-1123(T) had highest sequence similarity with Bacillus aquimaris, and forms a separate clade with its closest relatives i.e. B. aquimaris, Bacillus vietnamensis and Bacillus marisflavi, with which it shares 94.5, 94.1 and 94.1 % similarity respectively. The phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses indicated that strain SGD-1123(T) represents a novel species within the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus enclensis is proposed. The type strain is SGD-1123(T) (NCIM 5450(T)=CCTCC AB 2011125(T)).

A novel Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobic bacterial strain, KMK6(T), was isolated from soil contaminated with textile dyes from an industrial estate located at Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, India, and its taxonomical position was established by using a polyphasic approach. The major cellular fatty acids included C17:1ω8c, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), C17:0, C16:0, and C18:1ω7c. The DNA G+C content of strain KMK6(T) was 48.8 mol %. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed its placement in the genus Alishewanella, and exhibited sequence similarity levels of below 97 % to the type strains of validly published Alishewanella species. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strains KMK6(T) is considered to be a novel species of the genus Alishewanella, for which we propose that strain KMK6(T) (=NCIM 5295(T) =BCRC 17848(T)) is assigned to a novel species, Alishewanella solinquinati sp. nov.

A Gram-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium strain NIO-1018(T) isolated from a mangrove sediment sample of the Chorao Island, Goa, India, was subjected to a detailed polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain designated as NIO-1018(T) matched with most of the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties of the genus Agromyces and represents a novel species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NIO-1018(T) fell within the cluster comprising species of the genus Agromyces, clustering with Agromyces soli (98.1 %), Agromyces flavus (97.9 %), Agromyces aurantiacus (97.7 %) and Agromyces ulmi (97.3 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-12, and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(16:0), anteiso-C(17:0) and iso-C(15:0). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain NIO-1018(T) was 71.8 mol%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the view that strain NIO-1018(T) represents a novel species of the genus Agromyces, for which the name Agromyces indicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIO-1018 (=JCM 17573(T) = CCTCC AB2011122(T)).

A Gram-positive, non-endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain SK 18T, was isolated from surface soil of a landfill site by dilution plating on trypticase soy broth agar. Preliminary characterization of strain SK 18T via biochemical tests, analysis of fatty acid methyl esters and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed it within the genus Microbacterium . Analysis of the cell wall indicated that the peptidoglycan was of cross-linkage type B, containing the amino acids lysine and ornithine and with muramic acid in the N-glycolyl form. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids of the cell membrane were anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. These data further strengthened placement of the strain within the genus Microbacterium . Strain SK 18T shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.2 %) with Microbacterium ulmi DSM 16931T. Levels of similarity with the type strains of all other recognized Microbacterium species were less than 97.0 %. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments with strain SK 18T and its closest relative, M. ulmi DSM 16931T, revealed a low reassociation value of 39.0 % (σ = 3.8 %). Moreover, strain SK 18T showed a number of differences in phenotypic characteristics (colony colour, catalase activity, hydrolysis of polymers, acid production from sugars and oxidation of various substrates), and its DNA G+C content was also higher than that of M. ulmi DSM 16931T. These data indicated that strain SK 18T represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium , for which the name Microbacterium immunditiarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SK 18T ( = MTCC 7185T = JCM 14034T). An emended description of the genus Microbacterium is also provided.

A short coccoid- to rod-shaped, motile, mesophilic actinobacterium, strain MSL-22T, was isolated from soil on Bigeum Island, Korea. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MSL-22T formed an evolutionary lineage within the radiation of the genus Nocardioides. In particular, it formed a monophyletic lineage with Nocardioides jensenii KCTC 9134T with which it shared the highest sequence similarity of about 97.3%. However, DNA–DNA relatedness demonstrated that strain MSL-22T was distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-22T contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). Strain MSL-22T had a cellular fatty acid profile containing straight-chain, branched, unsaturated and 10-methyl fatty acids, with iso-C16 : 0 as the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 68.7 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, the strain is separate from previously described members of the genus Nocardioides and represents a novel species in this genus, for which the name Nocardioides mesophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-22T (=DSM 19432T=KCTC 19310T).

Aims To isolate plant growth-promoting bacterium from Western Ghat forests in India. Methods and results A Gram-negative, rod shaped, cream white coloured strain Pantoea NII-186 isolated from Western Ghat soil sample. The taxonomic position of the bacterium was confirmed by sequencing of 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis. A strain grew at a wide range of temperature ranging from 5-40 degrees C, but optimum growth was observed at 28-30 degrees C. It showed multiple plant growth-promoting attributes such as phosphate solubilization activity, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore production and HCN production. It was able to solubilize (28 microg of Ca(3)PO(4) ml(-1) day(-1)), and produce IAA (59 microg) at 28 degrees C. The solubilization of insoluble phosphate was associates with a drop in the pH of the culture medium. Pantoea sp. NII-186 tolerate to different environmental stresses like 5-40 degrees C, 0-7% salt concentration and 4-12 pH range. Conclusions The 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that the isolate NII-186 was belongs to Pantoea genus and showed considerable differences in physiological properties with previously reported species of this genus. Isolate NII-186 possessed multiple attributes of plant growth-promoting activity. Significance and impact of the study Hence in the context it is proposed that Pantoea sp. NII-186, could be deployed as an inoculant to attain the desired plant growth-promoting activity in agricultural environment.

A yellow-pigmented actinobacterium, designated strain MSL-13T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island, Republic of Korea, and its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Strain MSL-13T showed phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Leifsonia. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain MSL-13T with sequences from Leifsonia naganoensis DB103T, Leifsonia aquatica DSM 20146T, Leifsonia xyli subsp. cynodontis JCM 9733T, Leifsonia poae VKM Ac-1401T and Leifsonia shinshuensis DB102T revealed similarities of 96.22, 96.19, 95.77, 95.44 and 95.37 %, respectively, with differences of 39-65 nt among 1483 total nucleotides aligned. Based on differences in phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain MSL-13T (=KCTC 19267T =DSM 19272T) is designated as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Leifsonia, for which the name Leifsonia kribbensis sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-positive, short, rod-shaped, cream-coloured actinobacterium, designated MSL-04(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from an agricultural field on Bigeum Island (Republic of Korea) and was subjected to polyphasic characterization to unravel its taxonomic position. The optimum growth temperature and pH were 28-30 degrees C and pH 7.2-7.4. Chemotaxonomic characteristics such as B2beta-type peptidoglycan with glycolyl residues, MK-11 and MK-12 as the major menaquinones and a fatty acid profile containing iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids placed this organism within the genus Microbacterium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the position of strain MSL-04(T) in the genus Microbacterium and showed that it belonged to the same clade as Microbacterium ulmi but was distinct from its nearest neighbours. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MSL-04(T) showed the highest levels of similarity with respect to Microbacterium ulmi LMG 20991(T) (97.5 % similarity) and Microbacterium arborescens IFO 3750(T) (97 %). The G+C content of the DNA was 71.0 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness between MSL-04(T) and its closest neighbours (

A taxonomic study was performed on strain MSL-08T, which was isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island. The novel isolate was aerobic and Gram-positive. Cells were short and motile rods. Growth temperature ranged from 20 to 28 degrees C and the pH for growth ranged from 6.5 to 12.0. The optimum growth temperature and pH were 28 degrees C and 7.3, respectively. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9. Cell wall analysis showed B-type peptidoglycan containing 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, alanine, glycine, glutamate and lysine. The diagnostic phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were ai-C15:0, i-C16:0, C18:1omega7c and ai-C17:0. The DNA G+C content was 67.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain MSL-08(T) had less than 97 % similarity to any recognized species of the genus Frigoribacterium. Frigoribacterium faeni DSM 10309T was found to be the closest neighbour (96.95 %) to the novel strain. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phenotypic characteristics, it is proposed that strain MSL-08T represents a novel member of the genus Frigoribacterium for which the name Frigoribacterium mesophilum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-08T (=DSM 19442T=KCTC 19311T).

A novel mesophilic, Gram-positive, cream- to pale yellow-pigmented, aerobic bacterium, designated MSL-15T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island, South Korea. The cells were catalase-positive, motile and irregular rods. The diamino acid content of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was determined to be 2,4-diaminobutyric acid. Strain MSL-15T grew well between 20 and 28 degrees C, with optimum growth occurring at 25-28 degrees C. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.0 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MSL-15T was associated with the genus Cryobacterium and exhibited 96.6 % sequence similarity to Cryobacterium psychrotolerans JCM 13925T and 94.8 % similarity to Cryobacterium psychrophilum JCM 1463T. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data revealed that strain MSL-15T represents a novel species within the genus Cryobacterium, for which the name Cryobacterium mesophilum is proposed. The type strain is MSL-15T (=DSM 19267T=KCTC 19270T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic strain, designated MSL-05T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Cells of the novel strain were coccoid and occurred singly. The novel strain grew over a wide range of NaCl concentrations (0-7 %, w/v). The optimum growth temperature and pH were 28 degrees C and 7.2, respectively. Chemotaxonomic characteristics [peptidoglycan type, meso-diaminopimelic acid; major menaquinone, MK-8(H4); predominant fatty acids, i-C16 : 0, ai-C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and i-C14 : 0; DNA G+C content of 72.9 mol%] placed this organism within the genus Marmoricola. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed this classification, but showed that the novel strain was distinct from its nearest neighbours. Strain MSL-05T was found in the same clade as the type strains of species of the genus Marmoricola and also shared low gene sequence similarity with Marmoricola aequoreus JCM 13812T (96.91 %) and Marmoricola aurantiacus DSM 12652T (95.39 %). Based on the results of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, it is proposed that the new isolate should be classified as a novel species in the genus Marmoricola, for which the name Marmoricola bigeumensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-05T (=KCTC 19287T=DSM 19426T).

A strictly aerobic, Gram-positive, motile, coccoid-shaped, halotolerant actinobacterium (10% NaCl, w/v), designated MSL-23 T , was isolated from a soil sample on Bigeum Island, Korea. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolate belonged to the genus Nocardioides , with the highest sequence similarity (95.63%) being to Nocardioides kribbensis KCTC 19038 T . The major menaquinone was MK-8(H 4 ), and the predominant cellular fatty acids were i-C 16:0 , ai-C 17:0 , C 18:1 ω 9c and 10-methyl-C 16:0 . The DNA G+C content was 69.7 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MSL 23 T and its chemotaxonomic properties showed it to be unique in the genus Nocardioides . Phenotypic characteristics distinguished strain MSL-23 T from other Nocardioides species. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data strain MSL-23 T represents a novel species, for which the name Nocardioides halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, with MSL-23 T (=KCTC 19274 T =DSM 19273 T ) as the type strain.

A halophilic, Gram-positive, spore-forming motile Bacillus-like strain YIM 012(T), was isolated from one of the hypersaline soil samples collected in Xin-jiang province, China. Its optimum growth occurred at 10-20% of NaCl concentration (w/v), pH 7.0-8.0. Phylogenctic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 012 T is a member of the genus of Alkalibacillus, which is well supported by its chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics. Based on its phenotypic evidence and genotypic data, Alkalibacillus halophilus sp. nov. was proposed and strain YIM 012(T) (= DSM 17369(T) = KCTC 3990(T)) was assigned as the type strain of the novel species. (c) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

During the course of screening for industrially important microorganisms, an alkali-tolerant and thermotolerant actinomycete, strain DAS 131T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Gulbarga region, Karnataka province, India. The strain was characterized by a polyphasic approach that showed that it belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Growth was observed over a wide pH range (pH 6-12) and at 45 degrees C. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain DAS 131T was deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number DQ317411. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DAS 131T was most closely related to Streptomyces venezuelae ISP 5230T (AY999739) with a sequence similarity of 99.5% (8 nucleotide differences out of 1,477). Despite this very high sequence similarity, strain DAS 131T was phenetically distinct from S. venezuelae. The DNA relatedness between these strains was 54%, indicating that strain DAS 131T is a distinct genomic species. On the basis of phenetic and genetic analyses, strain DAS 131T is classified as a new species in the genus Streptomyces, for which we propose the name Streptomyces gulbargensis sp. nov.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain, NII-0905T, that was motile by gliding was isolated from soil of a dense forest collected from the Western Ghats of India and its taxonomic position was established. Strain NII-0905T contained MK-7 as the major menaquinone and anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C content of strain NII-0905T was 51.47 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of strain NII-0905T in the genus Pontibacter and strain NII-0905T exhibited 93.9–96.3 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity with type strains of species of the genus Pontibacter. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strain NII-0905T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter niistensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NII-0905T (=NCIM 5339T =CCTCC AA 209057T).