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A novel endophytic actinomycete with antagonistic activity against various phytopathogenic fungi, designated strain p1417T, was isolated from the root of cattail (Typha angustifolia L.) collected from Yunnan Province, Southwest China. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic status of this strain. Strain p1417T was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Streptomyces. The diamino acid present in the cell wall was LL-diaminopimelic acid. Xylose and arabinose occurred in whole cell hydrolysates. The menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H8), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H4). The polar lipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0 and C16:0. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain p1417T based on the genome sequence was 72.0 mol%. Based on 16 S rRNA gene, five housekeeping genes and whole genome sequences analysis, strain p1417T was most closely related to Streptomyces flavofungini JCM 4753T (99.4% 16 S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Streptomyces alboflavus JCM 4615T (98.8%) and Streptomyces aureoverticillatus JCM 4347T (98.2%). However, the average nucleotide identity values, the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values and the multilocus sequence analysis evolutionary distances between this strain and its closely related strains showed that it belonged to one distinct species. In addition, these results were also supported by differences in the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics between strain p1417T and three closely related type strains. Therefore, it is concluded that strain p1417T represents a novel species of the genus of Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces typhae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is p1417T (= CCTCC AA 2019091T = DSM 110636T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain NEAU-QY24T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of corn (Zea mays L.). A polyphasic approach was employed to determine the taxonomic status of strain NEAU-QY24T. The isolate was found to have chemical and morphological properties of the genus Streptomyces, with high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces lanatus JCM 4332T (98.3%) and clustered phylogenetically with Streptomyces lannensis JCM 16578T (98.2%). The cell wall was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole cell sugars were identified as glucose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H6), MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H8). The phospholipid profile was found to consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16:0, C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C15:0. A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain NEAU-QY24T and its closely related strains, which clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that strain NEAU-QY24T could be distinguished from these strains. These data indicate that the isolate should be recognised as a new species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces flavalbus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-QY24T (= CGMCC 4.7400T = DSM 104539T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain 1H-SSA4T, was isolated from the head of an ant (Camponotus japonicus Mayr) and was found to produce angucyclinone antibiotics. A polyphasic approach was used to determine the taxonomic status of strain 1H-SSA4T. The DNA G+C content of the draft genome sequence, consisting of 11.4 Mbp, was 70.0 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain 1H-SSA4T belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. ossamyceticus NBRC 13983T (98.9 %), and phylogenetically clustered with this species, Streptomyces torulosus LMG 20305T (98.8 %), Streptomyces ipomoeae NBRC 13050T (98.5 %) and Streptomyces decoyicus NRRL 2666T (98.4 %). The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the strain were also consistent with those members of the genus Streptomyces . A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain 1H-SSA4T and the above-mentioned strains, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that strain 1H-SSA4T could be distinguished from these strains. Therefore, the strain is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces capitiformicae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1H-SSA4T (=CGMCC 4.7403T=DSM 104537T).

A novel actinomycete strain, designated NEAU-C2T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of this strain were consistent with the description of the genus Glycomyces. Growth was found to occur at a temperature range of 15–40 °C, pH 6–10 and NaCl concentrations of 0–4%. The cell wall was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole cell sugars were identified as galactose, xylose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H2). The polar lipids were found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipids and an unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C15:0. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain NEAU-C2T belongs to the genus Glycomyces with high sequence similarity to Glycomyces algeriensis NRRL B-16327T (99.0% sequence similarity). Some physiological and biochemical properties and low DNA–DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from closely related species of the genus Glycomyces. It is concluded that the isolate can be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Glycomyces, for which the name Glycomyces tritici is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-C2T (= DSM 104644T = CGMCC 4.7410T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain 1H-SSA8T, was isolated from the head of an ant (Camponotus japonicus Mayr) and was found to produce amphotericin. A polyphasic approach was employed to determine the status of strain 1H-SSA8T. Morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics were consistent with those of members of the genus Streptomyces . The menaquinones detected were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H4). The phospholipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0, C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain 1H-SSA8T belongs to the genus Streptomyces with high sequence similarity to Streptomyces ramulosus NRRL B-2714T (99.2 %). Two tree-making algorithms based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a phyletic line with Streptomyces himastatinicus ATCC 53653T (98.7 %). The MLSA utilizing partial sequences of the housekeeping genes (atpD, gyrB, recA, rpoB and trpB) also supported the position. However, evolutionary distances were higher than the 0.007 MLSA evolutionary distance threshold proposed for species-level relatedness. Moreover, the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic differences allowed the novel isolate to be differentiated from its most closely related strain S. ramulosus NRRL B-2714T and strain S. himastatinicus ATCC 53653T. It is concluded that the organism can be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces amphotericinicus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1H-SSA8T (=CGMCC 4.7350T=DSM 103128T).

During a screening for novel and biotechnologically useful actinobacteria in insects, a novel actinobacteria with antifungal activity, designated strain 5H-CA11T, was isolated from the head of an ant (Lasius flavus) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of members of the genus Streptomyces. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 5H-CA11T is a member of the genus Streptomyces, with the highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces scabrisporus DSM 41855T (98.9%). Similarities to other type strains of the genus Streptomyces were lower than 96%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence also indicated that strain 5H-CA11T clusters with S. scabrisporus DSM 41855T using two tree-making algorithms. DNA-DNA hybridization between strain 5H-CA11T and S. scabrisporus JCM 11712T revealed 33.6% similarity, supporting the phenotypic and phylogenetic differences found between these two strains. Therefore, the strain is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces lasii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5H-CA11T (=CGMCC 4.7303T = DSM 102043T).

Two Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinomycete strains, designated NEAU-PCY-3T and NEAU-PCY-4, were isolated from rhizosphere soil of Urtica urens L. collected from Anshan, Liaoning Province, northeast PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the two strains exhibited 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other and that they were most closely to Longispora fulva DSM 45356T (98.7, 98.9 %) and Longispora albida JCM 11711T (97.1, 97.2 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains were located in the same lineage and formed a cluster with the genus Longispora. Both strains were observed to contain MK-10(H4) and MK-10(H6) as the predominant menaquinones. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, d-glutamic acid, glycine and l-alanine. Whole-cell hydrolysates mainly contained galactose, ribose and xylose. The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, several glycolipids and several unknown lipids. The major cellular fatty acids for strain NEAU-PCY-3T were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C18 : 1ω5c. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strains NEAU-PCY-3T and NEAU-PCY-4 was 83.6±0.4 %, and the values between the two strains and their closest phylogenetic relatives, belonging to the genus Longispora, were well below 70 %, supporting that they represented a distinct genomic species. An array of phenotypic characteristics also differentiated the strains from their closely related species, the only two validly published Longispora species. On the basis of the genetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic properties, strains NEAU-PCY-3T and NEAU-PCY-4 were classified as representatives of a novel species of the genus Longispora, for which the name Longispora urticae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-PCY-3T (=DSM 105119T=CCTCC AA 2017017T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain NEAU-GS50T, was isolated from soil collected from Mount Song and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the organism should be assigned to the genus Promicromonospora and that it forms a monophyletic clade with its closest relatives Promicromonospora umidemergens JCM 17975T (98.94 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Promicromonospora alba 1C-HV12T (98.82 %) and Promicromonospora kermanensis DSM45485T (98.68 %). Similarly, chemotaxonomic data including major menaquinones, fatty acid compositions and polar lipid profiles, also supported the placement of strain NEAU-GS50T in the genus Promicromonospora . However, DNA–DNA relatedness, physiological and biochemical data showed that strain NEAU-GS50T could be distinguished from its closest relatives. Therefore, strain NEAU-GS50T represents a novel species of the genus Promicromonospora , for which the name Promicromonospora soli sp. nov. is proposed, with strain NEAU-GS50T (CGMCC4.7398T=DSM 104515T) as the type strain.

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain LD22T, was isolated from moss [Physcomitrium sphaericum (Ludw) Fuernr] collected from Yunnan Province, Southwest China. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to establish the status of this strain. Morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain LD22T confirmed the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Actinomadura. The diamino acid present in the cell wall is meso-diaminopimelic acid. Glucose, madurose, galactose and ribose occur in whole cell hydrolysates. The menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H4), MK-9(H8), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H2). The polar lipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were found to be C16:0, 10-methyl C18:0 and C18:1 ω9c. The DNA G + C content of the draft genome sequence, consisting of 10.0 Mbp, was 72.5%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain LD22T belongs to the genus Actinomadura with the highest sequence similarity to Actinomadura montaniterrae CYP1-1BT (99.2%). However, phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a phyletic line with Actinomadura rudentiformis HMC1T (98.6%). The low level of DNA–DNA relatedness and some different phenotypic characteristics allowed the strain to be distinguished from the above-mentioned two strains. Therefore, it is concluded that strain that strain LD22T represents a novel species of the genus of Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura physcomitrii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LD22T (= CCTCC AA 2018050T = JCM 33455T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain NEAU-QY3T, was isolated from the leaves of Sonchus oleraceus L. and examined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The organism formed single spores with smooth surface on substrate mycelia. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain had a close association with the genus Verrucosispora and shared the highest sequence similarity with Verrucosispora qiuiae RtIII47T (99.17 %), an association that was supported by a bootstrap value of 94 % in the neighbour-joining tree and also recovered with the maximum-likelihood algorithm. The strain also showed high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Xiangella phaseoli NEAU-J5T (98.78 %), Jishengella endophytica 202201T (98.51 %), Micromonospora eburnea LK2-10T (98.28 %), Verrucosispora lutea YIM 013T (98.23 %) and Salinispora pacifica CNR-114T (98.23 %). Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequences supported the conclusion that strain NEAU-QY3T should be assigned to the genus Verrucosispora . However, the DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness values between strain NEAU-QY3T and V. qiuiae RtIII47T and V. lutea YIM 013T were below 70 %. With reference to phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and DNA–DNA hybridization results, strain NEAU-QY3T was readily distinguished from its most closely related strains and classified as a new species, for which the name Verrucosispora sonchi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-QY3T (=CGMCC 4.7312T=DSM 101530T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain 3C-HV12T, was isolated from the cuticle of an ant (Lasius fuliginosus L) and characterised using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain 3C-HV12T belongs to the genus Nocardia with high sequence similarities to Nocardia soli DSM 44488T (99.2 %) and Nocardia cummidelens R89T (99.2 %), and phylogenetically clustered with these two species and Nocardia ignorata DSM 44496T (98.8 %), Nocardia salmonicida JCM 4826T (98.8 %), Nocardia fluminea S1T (98.8 %), Nocardia coubleae OFN N12T (98 %) and Nocardia camponoti 1H-HV4T (97.4 %). The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the strain are also consistent with those of members of the genus Nocardia. The strain was observed to form extensively branched substrate hyphae which fragmented into rod-shaped and non-motile elements. The cell wall was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole cell sugars were identified as arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-8(H4, ω-cycl). The phospholipid profile was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were identified as C18:0 10-methyl, C16:0 and C16:1ω7c. Mycolic acids were found to be present. A combination of DNA–DNA hybridisation experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain 3C-HV12T and its phylogenetically closely related strains, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that 3C-HV12T could be distinguished from these strains. Therefore, the strain is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia lasii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 3C-HV12T (=DSM 100525T = CGMCC 4.7279T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain C9(T), was isolated from surface sterilised corn roots (Zea mays cv. Xinken-5) and found to be able to produce indole-3-acetic acid. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to determine the status of strain C9(T). The major cellular fatty acids were found to contain iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0, and the only menaquinone was identified as MK-7. The polar lipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to be of the A4α L-Lys-D-Asp type and the whole cell sugar was found to be glucose. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain C9(T) belongs to the genus Lysinibacillus and is closely related to Lysinibacillus chungkukjangi NBRC 108948(T) (98.1 % similarity) and Lysinibacillus sinduriensis DSM 27595(T) (98.0 %). However, the low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness and some differential phenotypic characteristics allowed the strain to be distinguished from its close relatives. Therefore, it is concluded that strain C9(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lysinibacillus, for which the name Lysinibacillus endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C9(T) (=DSM 100506(T) = CGMCC 1.15291(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-gxj3T, was isolated from soybean root [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] collected from Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NEAU-gxj3T showed highest similarity to those of Micromonospora equina Y22T (98.2 %) and Plantactinospora endophytica YIM 68255T (98.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and gyrB gene demonstrated that the isolate clustered with the members of the genus Plantactinospora. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-gxj3Twere also consistent with those of members of the genus Plantactinospora. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and whole-cell sugars were xylose, glucose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H6), MK-9(H8), MK-10(H2) and MK-10(H4). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and C15 : 0. A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization result and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-gxj3Tcould be differentiated clearly from its closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, the strain is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Plantactinospora, for which the name Plantactinospora soyae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-gxj3T (=CGMCC 4.7221T=DSM 46832T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain NEAU-ND5T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of corn (Zea mays L.) collected in Heilongjiang Province, north-east China, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NEAU-ND5T was a member of the genus Nonomuraea, with highest sequence similarities to Nonomuraea jabiensis A4036T (98.29 %), Nonomuraea rosea GW12687T (98.25 %), Nonomuraea candida HMC10T (98.22 %), Nonomuraea rhizophila YIM 67092T (98.04 %) and Nonomuraea kuesteri NRRL B-24325T (98.04 %). Similarities to other type strains of the genus Nonomuraea were lower than 98 %. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-ND5T were also consistent with the description of the genus Nonomuraea. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars were glucose, ribose and madurose. The phospholipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H0). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C16:0 and 10-methyl C17:0. A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics demonstrated that strain NEAU-ND5T was clearly distinguished from its closely related Nonomuraea species. Consequently, it is concluded that strain NEAU-ND5T represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name Nonomuraea zeae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-ND5T (=CGMCC 4.7280T=DSM 100528T).

Two novel actinobacteria, designated strains NEAU-Jh1-4T and NEAU-Wp2-0T, were isolated from muddy soil collected from a riverbank in Jiaohe and a dandelion root collected from Harbin, respectively. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic positions of these two strains. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains NEAU-Jh1-4T and NEAU-Wp2-0T indicated that strain NEAU-Jh1-4T clustered with Streptosporangium nanhuense NEAU-NH11T (99.32 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Streptosporangium purpuratum CY-15110T (98.30 %) and Streptosporangium yunnanense CY-11007T (97.95 %) and strain NEAU-Wp2-0T clustered with ‘ Streptosporangium sonchi ’ NEAU-QS7 (99.39 %), ‘ Streptosporangium kronopolitis ’ NEAU-ML10 (99.26 %), ‘ Streptosporangium shengliense ’ NEAU-GH7 (98.85 %) and Streptosporangium longisporum DSM 43180T (98.69 %). Moreover, morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the two isolates also confirmed their affiliation to the genus Streptosporangium . However, the low level of DNA–DNA hybridization and some phenotypic characteristics allowed the isolates to be differentiated from the most closely related species. Therefore, it is proposed that strains NEAU-Jh1-4T and NEAU-Wp2-0T represent two novel species of the genus Streptosporangium , for which the name Streptosporangium jiaoheense sp. nov. and Streptosporangium taraxaci sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are NEAU-Jh1-4T (=CGMCC 4.7213T=JCM 30348T) and NEAU-Wp2-0T (=CGMCC 4.7217T=JCM 30349T), respectively.

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-HZ10(T) was isolated from moss and characterised using a polyphasic approach. The strain was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Streptomyces. Strain NEAU-HZ10(T) formed grayish aerial mycelia, which differentiated into straight to flexuous chains of cylindrical spores. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid. Predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8). The polar lipid profile was found to consist of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and two unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and C16:0. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain NEAU-HZ10(T) belongs to the genus Streptomyces and exhibits high sequence similarity to Streptomyces cocklensis DSM 42063(T) (98.9 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-HZ10(T) clustered with S. cocklensis DSM 42063(T), Streptomyces yeochonensis CGMCC 4.1882(T) (98.7 %), Streptomyces paucisporeus CGMCC 4.2025(T) (98.4 %) and Streptomyces yanglinensis CGMCC 4.2023(T) (98.1 %). However, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridisation results and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-HZ10(T) can be distinguished from its phylogenetically closely related strains. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-HZ10(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces for which the name Streptomyces bryophytorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-HZ10(T) (= CGMCC 4.7151(T) = DSM 42138(T)).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain NEAU-FJL2(T), was isolated from a tomato root (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and characterised using a polyphasic approach. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-FJL2(T) are consistent with the description of the genus Dactylosporangium. Finger-shaped sporangia were observed to form on short sporangiophores branching from the substrate hyphae. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso- and 3-hydroxy-diaminopimelic acids; arabinose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose were found as whole-cell sugars. The phospholipid profile was found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H6). The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16:0, C16:1 ω7c and iso-C15:0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain NEAU-FJL2(T) belongs to the genus Dactylosporangium, with Dactylosporangium sucinum JCM 19831(T) (99.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Dactylosporangium darangshiense JCM 17441(T) (99.2 %), Dactylosporangium fulvum JCM 5631(T) (98.9 %) and Dactylosporangium roseum JCM 3364(T) (98.8 %) as the nearest phylogenetic relatives. However, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics demonstrated that strain NEAU-FJL2(T) can be distinguished from them. Consequently, it is proposed that strain NEAU-FJL2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Dactylosporangium, for which the name Dactylosporangium solaniradicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-FJL2(T) (=CGMCC 4.7302(T) = DSM 100814(T)).

During an investigation of microbial diversity in medicinal herbs, a novel actinobacterium, strain NEAU-KD1(T) was isolated from the rhizosphere of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn collected from Xianglu Mountain in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have the typical chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics of the genus Mumia. Cells were observed to be non-spore-forming and irregular cocci. The cell wall was found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid as the cell wall diamino acid. The whole-cell sugars were detected as galactose and rhamnose and the predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-9(H4). The polar lipids were found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid and five unidentified phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were determined to be composed of C16:0, 10-methyl C18:0 and C18:1ω7c. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence also indicated that strain NEAU-KD1(T) belongs to the genus Mumia and with high sequence similarity to Mumia flava NBRC 109973(T) (97.6 % sequence similarity). The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and the phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-KD1(T) could be distinguished from its close phylogenetic relative. Thus, strain NEAU-KD1(T) can be concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Mumia, for which the name Mumia xiangluensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-KD1(T) (=CGMCC 4.7305(T) = DSM 101040(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-GQTH1-3T, was isolated from muddy soil collected from a stream in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang Province, north-east China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the organism should be assigned to the genus Sphaerisporangium and forms a stable clade with its closest relative Sphaerisporangium rubeum JCM 13067T (98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Moreover, morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-GQTH1-3T also confirmed the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Sphaerisporangium. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars were glucose, galactose, madurose, mannose and ribose. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, two phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphoglycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H2). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and 10-methyl C17 : 0. Mycolic acids were absent. The DNA G+C content was 70.4 mol%. However, the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness and some phenotypic characteristics allowed the isolate to be differentiated from its closest relative. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-GQTH1-3T represents a novel species of the genus Sphaerisporangium, for which the name Sphaerisporangium aureirubrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-GQTH1-3T ( = CGMCC 4.7199T = JCM 30346T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-gq11(T), was isolated from wolfberry root (Lycium chinense Mill) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Strain NEAU-gq11(T) was observed to form rough-surfaced spores that borne singly on the substrate hyphae but aerial mycelia were not developed. The organism showed closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Micromonospora saelicesensis Lupac 09(T) (99.4%), and phylogenetically clustered with M. chokoriensis 2-19/6(T) (99.3%), 'M. zeae' NEAU-gq9(T) (99.3%), M. violae NEAU-zh8(T) (99.1%), 'M. jinlongensis' NEAU-GRX11(T) (99.1%), M. zamorensis CR38(T) (99.0%), M. taraxaci NEAU-P5(T) (98.9%) and M. lupini Lupac 14N(T) (98.6%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequences also indicated that the isolate clustered with the above type strains except M. violae NEAU-zh8(T). The cell-wall peptidoglycan consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The major menaquinones were MK-9(H8), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H2). The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acid was iso-C16:0. Furthermore, some physiological and biochemical properties and low DNA-DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from members of closely related species. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-gq11(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora lycii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-gq11(T) (=CGMCC 4.7149(T)=DSM 46703(T)).

Two novel actinobacteria, designated strains NEAU-JM1(T) and NEAU-CL2(T), were isolated from volcanic sediment and the rhizosphere soil of Paris polyphylla, respectively, collected from Jiling and Heilongjiang Province, China. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic positions of these strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the two novel isolates exhibit 99.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NEAU-JM1(T) showed it to be closely related to Catellatospora methionotrophica JCM 7543(T) (99.4 % sequence similarity), Catellatospora coxensis DSM 44901(T) (99.4 %), Catellatospora citrea DSM 44097(T) (99.3 %) and Catellatospora chokoriensis JCM 12950(T) (99.2 %), and that of strain NEAU-CL2(T) to C. citrea DSM 44097(T) (99.4 %), C. methionotrophica JCM 7543(T) (99.3 %), C. chokoriensis JCM 12950(T) (99.3 %) and C. coxensis DSM 44901(T) (99.2 %). However, the DNA-DNA hybridization value between strains NEAU-JM1(T) and NEAU-CL2(T) was 62.2 %, and the values between the two strains and their close phylogenetic relatives were also below 70 %. With reference to phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and DNA-DNA hybridization results, the two strains can be distinguished from each other and their close phylogenetic relatives. Thus, strains NEAU-JM1(T) and NEAU-CL2(T) can be concluded to represent two novel species of the genus Catellatospora, for which the names Catellatospora vulcania sp. nov. and Catellatospora paridis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are NEAU-JM1(T) (=CGMCC 4.7174(T) = JCM 30054(T)) and NEAU-CL2(T) (=CGMCC 4.7236(T) = DSM 100519(T)), respectively.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated strain NEAU-JM2(T), was isolated from volcanic sediment collected from Longwan, Jilin province, north China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the members of the genus Micromonospora. Phylogenetic analysis of the16S rRNA gene sequence also indicated that strain NEAU-JM2(T) should be classified in the genus Micromonospora and showed that close relatives are Micromonospora maoerensis NEAU-MES19(T) (99.5 %) and Micromonospora matsumotoense JCM 9104(T) (98.8 %). However, phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequence showed that the isolate forms a separate subclade away from the close relatives in the neighbour-joining tree and also recovered with the maximum-likelihood algorithm. The low level of DNA-DNA relatedness allowed the isolate to be differentiated from M. maoerensis NEAU-MES19(T) and M. matsumotoense JCM 9104(T). Furthermore, strain NEAU-JM2(T) could also be distinguished from its close phylogenetic relatives by cultural and physiological characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-JM2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora vulcania sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-JM2(T) (=CGMCC 4.7144(T) = DSM 46711(T)).

Two novel actinomycetes, designated strains NEAU-Jh1-3(T) and NEAU-Jh2-5(T), were isolated from muddy soil collected from a riverbank in Jiaohe, Jilin Province, north China. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic positions of these strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the two novel isolates exhibited 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other and that they are closely related to Actinomadura viridis IFO 15238(T) (99.6, 99.6 %) and Actinomadura vinacea IFO 14688(T) (99.3, 99.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two cultures clustered together and formed a cluster with A. viridis IFO 15238(T), A. vinacea IFO 14688(T) and Actinomadura rugatobispora IFO 14382(T). However, the DNA-DNA hybridization value between strains NEAU-Jh1-3(T) and NEAU-Jh2-5(T) was 63.6 %, and the values between the two strains and their close phylogenetic relatives were also below 70 %. With reference to phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and DNA-DNA hybridization results, the two strains can be distinguished from each other and their close phylogenetic relatives. Thus, strains NEAU-Jh1-3(T) and NEAU-Jh2-5(T) represent two novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the names Actinomadura jiaoheensis sp. nov. and Actinomadura sporangiiformans sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are NEAU-Jh1-3(T) (=CGMCC 4.7197(T) = JCM 30341(T)) and NEAU-Jh2-5(T) (=CGMCC 4.7211(T) = JCM 30342(T)), respectively.

A Gram-stain positive, non-motile, mesophilic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-YJC4(T) was isolated from the root of a marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) collected in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-YJC4(T) were consistent with the description of the genus Catellatospora. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain NEAU-YJC4(T) belongs to the genus Catellatospora, being most closely related to Catellatospora bangladeshensis JCM 12949(T) (98.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that strain NEAU-YJC4(T) formed a monophyletic clade with the closest relative. A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-YJC4(T) can be distinguished from C. bangladeshensis JCM 12949(T). Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-YJC4(T) represents a novel species of the genus Catellatospora, for which the name Catellatospora tagetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-YJC4(T) (=CGMCC 4.7176(T) = JCM 30053(T)).

A novel endophytic actinomycete, strain NEAU-TX1-15(T), was isolated from moss, collected from Wuchang, Heilongjiang province, north China. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to establish the status of strain NEAU-TX1-15(T). Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of strain NEAU-TX1-15(T) are consistent with the description of the genus Actinoallomurus. Strain NEAU-TX1-15(T) was observed to form short spiral or looped spore chains on aerial hyphae. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain lysine and meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8). The only phospholipid identified was phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acid was identified as iso-C16:0. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence supports the assignment of the novel strain to the genus Actinoallomurus, as it exhibits 99.2 % gene sequence similarity to that of Actinoallomurus yoronensis NBRC 103686(T). However, the low level of DNA-DNA relatedness allowed the strain to be differentiated from its close relative. Moreover, strain NEAU-TX1-15(T) could also be differentiated from A. yoronensis NBRC 103686(T) and other Actinoallomurus species showing high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.0 %) by cultural and physiological characteristics. Therefore, the combination of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, and the DNA-DNA hybridization value, indicated that strain NEAU-TX1-15(T) represents a novel species of the genus Actinoallomurus for which the name Actinoallomurus bryophytorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-TX1-15(T) (=CGMCC 4.7200(T) = JCM 30340(T)).

Two Gram-stain positive, aerobic actinomycete strains, designated NEAU-YHS12 and NEAU-YHS15(T), were isolated from the root of Corydalis yanhusuo L. collected from Wuchang, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two strains are closely related to one another (99.8 % similarity), and had the closest relationship with Sphaerisporangium cinnabarinum JCM 3291(T) (98.7, 98.6 %), Sphaerisporangium flaviroseum YIM 48771(T) (98.6, 98.6 %), Sphaerisporangium melleum JCM 13064(T) (98.5, 98.4 %) and Sphaerisporangium dianthi NEAU-CY18(T) (98.4, 98.4 %). DNA-DNA hybridization value between strains NEAU-YHS12 and NEAU-YHS15(T) was 82 ± 1.4 %, and the values between the two strains and the closely related type strains were well below 70 %. The two strains also shared a number of phenotypic characteristics that were distinct from the closely related species. Both strains were observed to contain MK-9(H6), MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2) as the detected menaquinones. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. The phospholipid profiles were found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphoglycolipid, and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16:0, C17:1 ω7c, C18:0 and iso-C15:0. On the basis of the genetic and phenotypic properties, it is proposed that strains NEAU-YHS15(T) and NEAU-YHS12 be classified as representatives of a novel species of the genus Sphaerisporangium, for which the name Sphaerisporangium corydalis sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-YHS15(T) (CGMCC 4.7148(T) = DSM46732(T)).

Two novel actinobacteria, strains NEAU-CX1(T) and NEAU-JC6(T), were isolated from nymphs of stinkbug (Palomena viridissima Poda) and a beetle (Harpalus sinicus Hope), respectively, collected from Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic positions of these strains. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NEAU-CX1(T) showed it to be most closely related to Micromonospora coxensis JCM 13248(T) (99.3 % sequence similarity), Micromonospora purpureochromogenes DSM 43821(T) (99.1 %) and Micromonospora halophytica JCM 3125(T) (98.6 %), and that of strain NEAU-JC6(T) to Micromonospora haikouensis DSM 45626(T) (99.3 %), Micromonospora carbonacea JCM 3139(T) (99.1 %) and Micromonospora krabiensis JCM 12869(T) (99.1 %). The phylogenetic analysis based on gyrB gene sequence of strain NEAU-CX1(T) showed it to be most closely related to M. purpureochromogenes DSM 43821(T) (98.0 % sequence similarity), and that of strain NEAU-JC6(T) to M. haikouensis DSM 45626(T) (99.0 %) and M. carbonacea JCM 3139(T) (98.0 %). A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and cultural and physiological properties indicated that the two strains can be distinguished from their closest phylogenetic relatives. Thus, strains NEAU-CX1(T) and NEAU-JC6(T) represent two novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the names Micromonospora palomenae sp. nov. and Micromonospora harpali sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are NEAU-CX1(T) (=CGMCC 4.7175(T) = JCM 30056(T)) and NEAU-JC6(T) (=CGMCC 4.7173(T) = JCM 30055(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-B-8T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a peace lily (Spathi phyllum Kochii) collected from Heilongjiang province, north-east China. Key morphological and physiological characteristics as well as chemotaxonomic features of strain NEAU-B-8T were congruent with the description of the genus Actinomycetospora , such as the major fatty acids, the whole-cell hydrolysates, the predominant menaquinone and the phospholipid profile. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain NEAU-B-8T shared the highest sequence similarities with Actinomycetospora lutea JCM 17982T (99.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Actinomycetospora chlora TT07I-57T (98.4 %), Actinomycetospora straminea IY07-55T (98.3 %) and Actinomycetospora chibensis TT04-21T (98.2 %); similarities to type strains of other species of this genus were lower than 98 %. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NEAU-B-8T formed a distinct branch with A. lutea JCM 17982T that was supported by a high bootstrap value of 97 % in the neighbour-joining tree and was also recovered with the maximum-likelihood algorithm. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain NEAU-B-8T and A. lutea JCM 17982T was found to be 50.6±1.2 %. Meanwhile, strain NEAU-B-8T differs from other most closely related strains in phenotypic properties, such as maximum NaCl tolerance, hydrolysis of aesculin and decomposition of urea. On the basis of the morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and DNA–DNA hybridization data, we conclude that strain NEAU-B-8T represents a novel species of the genus Actinomycetospora , named Actinomycetospora rhizophila sp. nov. The type strain is NEAU-B-8T. ( = CGMCC 4.7134T = DSM 46673T).

Two novel actinobacteria, designated strains NEAU-QS7(T) and NEAU-ML10(T), were isolated from a root of Sonchus oleraceus L. and a Kronopolites svenhedind Verhoeff specimen, respectively, collected from Wuchang, Heilongjiang Province, China. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic positions of these strains. The two strains were observed to form abundant aerial hyphae that differentiated into spherical spore vesicles. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains NEAU-QS7(T) and NEAU-ML10(T) showed that the two novel isolates exhibited 99.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other and that they are most closely related to Streptosporangium shengliense NEAU-GH7(T) (99.1, 99.0 %) and Streptosporangium longisporum DSM 43180(T) (99.1, 99.0 %). However, the DNA-DNA hybridization value between strains NEAU-QS7(T) and NEAU-ML10(T) was 46.5 %, and the values between the two strains and their closest phylogenetic relatives were also below 70 %. With reference to phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and DNA-DNA hybridization results, the two strains can be distinguished from each other and their closest phylogenetic relatives. Thus, strains NEAU-QS7(T) and NEAU-ML10(T) represent two novel species of the genus Streptosporangium, for which the names Streptosporangium sonchi sp. nov. and Streptosporangium kronopolitis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are NEAU-QS7(T) (=CGMCC 4.7142(T) =DSM 46717(T)) and NEAU-ML10(T) (=CGMCC 4.7153(T) =DSM 46720(T)), respectively.

A novel nocardioform actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-GQTH2-3(T), was isolated from muddy soil collected from a stream in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that the organism should be assigned to the genus Kribbella and forms a clade with Kribbella catacumbae JCM 14968(T) (99.2 % sequence similarity), Kribbella koreensis JCM 10977(T) (99.1 %), Kribbella ginsengisoli JCM 16928(T) (98.6 %) and Kribbella sancticallisti JCM 14969(T) (98.4 %), although with low bootstrap support. Morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the isolate are in agreement with the description of the genus Kribbella. Chemotaxonomic characteristics include LL-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan; glucose and ribose as the characteristic whole-cell hydrolysates; diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, a glycerolipid and an unidentified phospholipid as the predominant polar lipids; the major menaquinones MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2); as well as iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and C17:1 ω7c being the predominant fatty acid components. Mycolic acids were not detected. Furthermore, the strain could be clearly distinguished by the combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics from the closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-GQTH2-3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Kribbella, for which the name Kribbella qitaiheensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-GQTH2-3(T) (=CGMCC 4.7215(T) =JCM 30343(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-Spg16(T), was isolated from a soil sample from a pine forest in Songpinggou, Maoxian, southwest China. A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to establish the status of strain NEAU-Spg16(T). The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The major menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H8), MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6). The phospholipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C(16:0), C(18:0), C(16:0) and iso-C(15:0). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain NEAU-Spg16(T) belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces nitrosporeus DSM 40023(T) (98.6%). However, phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that it is most closely related to Streptomyces scopuliridis DSM 41917(T) (98.2% sequence similarity). A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-Spg16(T) can be clearly differentiated from S. scopuliridis DSM 41917(T) and S. nitrosporeus DSM 40023(T). Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-Spg16(T) represents a novel species of the genus of Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces maoxianensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type stain is NEAU-Spg16(T) (=CGMCC 4.7139(T) = DSM 42137(T)).

A novel Gram-stain-positive, motile, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, NEAU-cbsb5T, was isolated from forest soil from Changbai Mountain, Heilongjiang Province, China. The isolate grew at 15–40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of up to 4 % (w/v) NaCl, although NaCl was not required for growth. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain NEAU-cbsb5T formed a distinct lineage within the genus Bacillus and was most closely related to Bacillus acidiceler DSM 18954T (99.1 % similarity) and Bacillus luciferensis JCM 12212T (99.0 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to sequences of the type strains of other Bacillus species was less than 96.0 %. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between NEAU-cbsb5T and its most closely related species were 78.72–84.75 % by ANIm, ANIb and OrthoANIu analysis. The in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain NEAU-cbsb5T and its close relatives B. acidiceler DSM 18954T and B. luciferensis JCM 12212T were both 23.80 %, again indicating they belong to different taxa. The major cellular fatty acids of NEAU-cbsb5T were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown aminophospholipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the predominant menaquinones were MK-7 and MK-6. The genomic DNA G+C content was 33.0 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain NEAU-cbsb5T was classified as a representative of a novel species in the genus Bacillus , for which the name Bacillus solisilvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-cbsb5T (=CGMCC 1.14993T=DSM 100485T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-C3(T), was isolated from volcanic sediment collected from Longwan, Jilin province, north China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the members of the genus Streptomyces. EzTaxon-e analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated strain NEAU-C3(T) to be most closely related to Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. ossamyceticus JCM 4965(T) (97.7 % sequence similarity) and Streptomyces torulosus JCM 4872(T) (97.7 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NEAU-C3(T) belongs within the genus Streptomyces and forms a separate subclade, an association that was supported by a bootstrap value of 72 % in the neighbour-joining tree and also recovered with the maximum-likelihood algorithm. The DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain NEAU-C3(T) and the two most closely related type strains were low enough to justify the assignment of the strain to a novel species. On the basis of these phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is concluded that strain NEAU-C3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces vulcanius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-C3(T) (=CGMCC 4.7177(T)=DSM 42139(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-CY18T, was isolated from the root of a Chinese medicinal plant Dianthus chinensis L and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The novel strain was found to develop spherical sporangia with non-motile spores on aerial mycelium. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars were identified as madurose, mannose, ribose, galactose and glucose. The phospholipid profile was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and an unidentified phospholipid. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H4), MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H6). The major fatty acids were identified as C17:0 10-methyl, iso-C16:0 and C16:0. EzTaxon-e analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain belongs to the genus Sphaerisporangium and was most closely related to Sphaerisporangium cinnabarinum JCM 3291T (98.9 %) and Sphaerisporangium melleum JCM 13064T (98.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-CY18T forms a monophyletic clade with S. cinnabarinum JCM 3291T, an association that was supported by a bootstrap value of 97 % in the neighbour-joining tree and also recovered with the maximum-likelihood algorithm. Comparisons of some phenotypic properties and low DNA–DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from S. cinnabarinum JCM 3291T and S. melleum JCM 13064T. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-CY18T represents a novel Sphaerisporangium species, for which the name Sphaerisporangium dianthi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-CY18T ( = CGMCC 4.7132T = DSM 46736T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-P5(T), was isolated from dandelion root (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.). Strain NEAU-P5(T) showed closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Micromonospora chokoriensis 2-19/6(T) (99.5%), and phylogenetically clustered with Micromonospora violae NEAU-zh8(T) (99.3%), M. saelicesensis Lupac 09(T) (99.0%), M. lupini Lupac 14N(T) (98.8%), M. zeae NEAU-gq9(T) (98.4%), M. jinlongensis NEAU-GRX11(T) (98.3%) and M. zamorensis CR38(T) (97.9%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequence also indicated that the isolate clustered with the above type strains except M. violae NEAU-zh8(T). The cell-wall peptidoglycan consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The major menaquinones were MK-9(H8), MK-9(H6) and MK-10(H2). The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were C(16:0), iso-C(15:0) and C(17:0). Furthermore, some physiological and biochemical properties and low DNA-DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from members of closely related species. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-P5(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora taraxaci sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-P5(T) (=CGMCC 4.7098(T) = DSM 45885(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-gq9(T), was isolated from corn root (Zea mays L.) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Micromonospora. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain NEAU-gq9(T) was most closely related to Micromonospora zamorensis CR38(T) (99.3%), Micromonospora jinlongensis NEAU-GRX11(T) (99.2%), Micromonospora saelicesensis Lupac 09(T) (99.2%), Micromonospora chokoriensis 2-19(6)(T) (98.9%), Micromonospora coxensis 2-30-b(28)(T) (98.6%) and Micromonospora lupini Lupac 14N(T) (98.5%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and gyrB gene demonstrated that strain NEAU-gq9(T) is a member of the genus Micromonospora and supported the closest phylogenetic relationship to M. zamorensis CR38(T), M. jinlongensis NEAU-GRX11(T), M. saelicesensis Lupac 09(T), M. chokoriensis 2-19(6)(T) and M. lupini Lupac 14N(T). A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization, morphological and physiological characteristics indicated that the novel strain could be readily distinguished from the closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-gq9(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora zeae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-gq9(T) (=CGMCC 4.7092(T)=DSM 45882(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-NH11T, was isolated from muddy soil collected from a lake and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NEAU-NH11T belongs to the genus Streptosporangium, and was most closely related to Streptosporangium amethystogenes subsp. amethystogenes DSM 43179T (99.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-NH11T formed a monophyletic clade with Streptosporangium purpuratum CY-15110T (98.3 %) and Streptosporangium yunnanense CY-11007T (98.0 %), an association that was supported by a bootstrap value of 80 % in the neighbour-joining tree and also recovered with the maximum-likelihood algorithm. However, the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness allowed the strain to be differentiated from S. amethystogenes subsp. amethystogenes DSM 43179T, S. purpuratum CY-15110T and S. yunnanense CY-11007T. Moreover, strain NEAU-NH11T could also be differentiated from its closest related strains by phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-NH11T represents a novel Streptosporangium species, Streptosporangium nanhuense sp. nov. The type strain of S. nanhuense is NEAU-NH11T. (=CGMCC 4.7131T = DSM 46674T).

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-LZS-5T, was isolated from the leaf of candelabra aloe (Aloe arborescens Mill) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain NEAU-LZS-5T belongs to the genus Streptomyces and exhibited 99.51 and 97.37 % similarity to Streptomyces sedi YIM 65188T and Streptomyces specialis GW41-1564T, respectively, whereas low similarity values (T from all other species of the genus Streptomyces with validly published names. Two tree-making algorithms also supported the position that strain NEAU-LZS-5T formed a distinct clade with Streptomyces sedi YIM 65188T and Streptomyces specialis GW41-1564T. However, levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain NEAU-LZS-5T and Streptomyces sedi YIM 65188T and Streptomyces specialis GW41-1564T were 45.59 and 31.90 %, respectively. A comparative study between strain NEAU-LZS-5T and the type strains of closest related species of the genus Streptomyces revealed that it differed from them in morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Therefore, strain NEAU-LZS-5T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces zhaozhouensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-LZS-5T ( = CGMCC 4.7095T = DSM 42101T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-dht8T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Nonomuraea . The G+C content of the DNA was 68.47 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain NEAU-dht8T was most closely related to Nonomuraea maheshkhaliensis 16-5-14T (99.31 %), Nonomuraea kuesteri GW 14-1925T (98.77 %), Nonomuraea coxensis JCM 13931T (98.71 %), Nonomuraea wenchangensis 210417T (98.44 %), Nonomuraea bangladeshensis 5-10-10T (98.36 %) and Nonomuraea salmonea DSM 43678T (98.0 %); similarities to other species of the genus Nonomuraea were lower than 98 %. Two tree-making algorithms based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a phyletic line with its closest neighbour N. maheshkhaliensis 16-5-14T. However, the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness allowed the novel isolate to be differentiated from N. maheshkhaliensis 16-5-14T. Strain NEAU-dht8T could also be differentiated from other species of the genus Nonomuraea showing high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98–98.77 %) by morphological and physiological characteristics. Thus, strain NEAU-dht8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea , for which the name Nonomuraea fuscirosea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-dht8T ( = CGMCC 4.7104T = DSM 45880T).

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-MES19(T), was isolated from pine forest soil in Heilongjiang province, China. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of the genus Micromonospora. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-MES19(T) was most closely related to Micromonospora matsumotoense IMSNU 22003(T). However, phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequence showed that the isolate was more closely related to Micromonospora cremea CR30(T) than M. matsumotoense IMSNU 22003(T). The low level of DNA-DNA relatedness allowed the isolate to be differentiated from M. matsumotoense IMSNU 22003(T) and M. cremea CR30(T). Moreover, strain NEAU-MES19(T) could also be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives by morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-MES19(T) represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora maoerensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-MES19(T) (=CGMCC 4.7091(T) = DSM 45884(T)).

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

Two novel actinomycetes, designated strains NEAU-ZJ3(T) and NEAU-yn31(T), were isolated from soils in China and their taxonomic positions determined by a polyphasic approach. Key morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the two strains were consistent with the description of the genus Nonomuraea. The G+C contents of strains NEAU-ZJ3(T) and NEAU-yn31(T) were determined to be 67.4 and 68.0 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains should be classified in the genus Nonomuraea. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NEAU-ZJ3(T) showed it to be most closely related to Nonomuraea salmonea DSM 43678(T) (98.27 %), Nonomuraea endophytica YIM 65601(T) (98.23 %) and Nonomuraea candida HMC10(T) (98.08 %), and that of strain NEAU-yn31(T) to Nonomuraea ferruginea IFO 14094(T) (99.08 %) and N. candida HMC10(T) (98.01 %). Furthermore, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that the two strains can be distinguished from each other and their phylogenetically closest relatives. Thus, strains NEAU-ZJ3(T) and NEAU-yn31(T) represent two novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the names Nonomuraea guangzhouensis sp. nov. and Nonomuraea harbinensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are NEAU-ZJ3(T) (=CGMCC 4.7101(T) = DSM 45889(T)) and NEAU-yn31(T) (=CGMCC 4.7106(T) = DSM 45887(T)), respectively.

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-ycm1(T), was isolated from an edible Chinese black ant (Polyrhachis vicina Roger) and characterized with a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of streptomycetes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence show that the novel isolate belongs to the genus Streptomyces and forms a separate subclade. The closest phylogenetic relatives were identified as the type strains of Streptomyces intermedius NBRC 13049(T) (97.74 %), Streptomyces aureoverticillatus NRRL B-3326(T) (97.69 %), Streptomyces rutgersensis NBRC 12819(T) (97.68 %), Streptomyces gougerotii NBRC 3198(T) (97.68 %) and Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. diastaticus NBRC 3714(T) (97.68 %). Similarities to other type strains of the genus Streptomyces were lower than 97.55 %. A comparison between strain NEAU-ycm1(T) and the closest related Streptomyces type strains revealed that it is different from them in morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed that NEAU-ycm1(T) (=CGMCC 4.7094(T) = DSM 42102(T)) represents a novel species of the genus of Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces polyrhachii sp. nov. is proposed.

During a screening for novel and biotechnologically useful actinobacteria in insects, a kanchanamycin-producing actinomycete with antifungal activity, designated strain 3H-HV17(2)T, was isolated from the head of an ant (Lasius fuliginosus L.) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain 3H-HV17(2)T belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence similarities to Streptomyces spectabilis NBRC 13424T (98.90 %, with which it phylogenetically clustered, Streptomyces alboflavus NRRL B-2373T (98.65 %) and Streptomyces flavofungini NBRC 13371T (98.36 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene also supported the close relationship of these strains. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the strain are also consistent with those members of the genus Streptomyces . A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain 3H-HV17(2)T and its phylogenetically closely related strains, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that strain 3H-HV17(2)T could be distinguished from these strains. Therefore, strain 3H-HV17(2)T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces lasiicapitis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 3H-HV17(2)T (=CGMCC 4.7349T=DSM 103124T).

A novel endophytic actinomycete with antifungal activity, designated strain NEAU-JXY5T, was isolated from the root of Parathelypteris beddomei (Bak.) Ching. Strain NEAU-JXY5T showed closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Micromonospora luteifusca GUI2T (99.31 %), and phylogenetically clustered with Micromonospora noduli GUI43T (99.24 %), ' Micromonospora lycii' NEAU-gq11 (99.19 %), ' Micromonospora zeae ' NEAU-gq9 (99.12 %), Micromonospora saelicesensis Lupac 09T (98.97 %), Micromonospora vinacea GUI63T (98.96 %), ' Micromonospora jinlongensis ' NEAU-GRX11 (98.91 %), Micromonospora profundi DS3010T (98.77 %), Micromonospora zamorensis CR38T (98.76 %), Micromonospora chokoriensis 2–19(6)T (98.71 %), Micromonospora lupini Lupac 14NT (98.69 %), Micromonospora ureilytica GUI23T (98.69 %), Micromonospora violae NEAU-zh8T (98.57 %) and Micromonospora taraxaci NEAU-P5T (98.37 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on gyrB gene sequences also indicated that the isolate clustered with the above strains except M. violae NEAU-zh8T. A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that the strain could be readily distinguished from these closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-JXY5T represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora , for which the name Micromonospora parathelypteridis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-JXY5T (=CGMCC 4.7347T=DSM 103125T).

A phoslactomycin-producing actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-ML8T, was isolated from a millipede (Kronopolites svenhedind Verhoeff) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NEAU-ML8T belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence similarities to Streptomyces lydicus NBRC 13058T (99.39 %) and Streptomyces chattanoogensis DSM 40002T (99.25 %). The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a distinct phyletic line with NBRC 13058T and S. chattanoogensis DSM 40002T. This branching pattern was also supported by the tree rconstructed with the neighbour-joining method. A combination of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain NEAU-ML8T and its phylogenetically closely related strains, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that NEAU-ML8T could be distinguished from NBRC 13058T and S. chattanoogensis DSM 40002T. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-ML8T can be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Streptomyces , for which the name Streptomyces kronopolitis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-ML8T (=DSM 101986T=CGMCC 4.7323T).

Two novel actinomycetes, designated strains 2C-SSA16(2)T and 1C-GS8T, were isolated from the cuticle of Camponotus japonicus Mayr, collected from Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Province, north China. Both of them contained genes (involved in antibiotics biosynthesis) of the ketosynthase (KS) and methyl malonyl transferase domains (PKS-I) and the adenylation domain (NRPS). A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic positions of these strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the two novel isolates 2C-SSA16(2)T and 1C-GS8T exhibited 98.8% similarity with each other and that they are most closely related to Streptomyces umbrinus JCM 4521T (99.0, 98.6%), Streptomyces ederensis JCM 4958T (98.9, 98.7%), Streptomyces aurantiacus JCM 4453T (98.6, 98.2%), Streptomyces glomeroaurantiacus JCM 4677T (98.6, 98.1%), Streptomyces tauricus JCM4837T (98.2, 98.0%) and Streptomyces phaeochromogenes JCM 4070T (98.2, 99.2%). The corresponding phylogenetic analysis based on partial gyrB gene sequences showed that strains 2C-SSA16(2)T and 1C-GS8T formed a cluster with the above-mentioned strains. The DNA–DNA hybridization data and phenotypic characteristics indicated that strains 2C-SSA16(2)T and 1C-GS8T could be readily distinguished from each other and their closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, these two strains are suggested to represent two novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the names Streptomyces camponoti sp. nov. and Streptomyces cuticulae sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are 2C-SSA16(2)T (=CGMCC 4.7276T = DSM 100522T) and 1C-GS8T (=CGMCC 4.7348 = DSM 103127T), respectively.

A novel single-spore-producing actinomycete, designated strain 2H-TWYE14T, was isolated from the head of an ant (Camponotus japonicus Mayr) and characterized using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 2H-TWYE14T belongs to the genus Streptomyces, with highest sequence similarity to Streptomyces niveus NRRL 2466T (98.84 %). Analysis based on the gyrB gene also indicated that strain 2H-TWYE14T should be assigned to the genus Streptomyces. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain 2H-TWYE14T were consistent with those of members of the genus Streptomyces. The cell wall contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H4). The phospholipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests were carried out between strain 2H-TWYE14T and its phylogenetically closely related strain S. niveus JCM 4251T, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that 2H-TWYE14T could be distinguished from S. niveus. Therefore, it is concluded that strain 2H-TWYE14T can be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces camponoticapitis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2H-TWYE14T (=DSM 100523T=CGMCC 4.7275T).

During a screening for novel and biotechnologically useful actinobacteria, a novel actinobacteria with weak antifungal activity, designated strain NEAU-Spg19T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from pine forest in Songpinggou, Sichuan, southwest China. The strain was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach which confirmed that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces. Growth occurred at a temperature range of 10–30 °C, pH 5.0–11.0 and NaCl concentrations of 0–5 %. The cell wall peptidoglycan consisted of LL-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. The major menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H4). The phospholipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and C16:0. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies showed that strain NEAU-Spg19T belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence similarities to Streptomyces tauricus JCM 4837T (98.6 %) and Streptomyces rectiviolaceus JCM 9092T (98.3 %). Some physiological and biochemical properties and low DNA–DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from S. tauricus JCM 4837T and S. rectiviolaceus JCM 9092T. Hence, on the basis of phenotypic and genetic analyses, it is proposed that strain NEAU-Spg19T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces songpinggouensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-Spg19T (=CGMCC 4.7140T=DSM 42141T).

During an investigation of microbial diversity in medicinal herbs, a novel actinomycete, strain NEAU-QHHV11T was isolated from the rhizosphere of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn collected from Xianglu Mountain in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have typical characteristics of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence also indicated that strain NEAU-QHHV11T belongs to the genus Streptomyces and was most closely related to Streptomyces graminilatus NBRC 108882T (98.7 % sequence similarity) and Streptomyces turgidiscabies NBRC 16080T (98.7 % sequence similarity). The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and some phenotypic characteristics indicated that strain NEAU-QHHV11T could be distinguished from its close phylogenetic relatives. Thus, strain NEAU-QHHV11T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces castaneus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-QHHV11T (=CGMCC 4.7235T = DSM 100520T).