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Three actinomycete strains originating from the surface-sterilized roots of Paris polyphylla were characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that they formed a deep, monophyletic branch in the genus Glycomyces, and were most closely related to the type strains of the species Glycomyces harbinensis and Glycomycesscopariae. Morphological and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strains CPCC 204357 T , CPCC 204354 and CPCC 204355 to the genus Glycomyces. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strains CPCC 204357 T , CPCC 204354 and CPCC 204355 from their closest phylogenetic related species in the genus Glycomyces. Low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with its closest type strains of G. harbinensis and G. scopariaeindicated that strain CPCC 204357 T represent a novel species, for which the name Glycomyces paridis sp. nov. is proposed, with CPCC 204357 T (=DSM 102295 T =KCTC 39745 T ) as the type strain.

A Gram-positive bacterium originating from the surface-sterilized leaf of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. The isolate formed yellow, smooth, circular colonies on nutrient agar with 0.2 % starch (NSA). Cells were non-motile, non-sporulating, irregular rods or cocci. Strain CPCC 203535 T had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of Ornithinimicrobium kibberense (96.9 %) and formed the deepest branch in the genus Ornithinimicrobium in the neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The major menaquinones of strain CPCC 203535 T were MK-8(H4), MK-8(H2) and MK-8. The peptidoglycan contained ornithine as the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and unknown lipid (UL). The major fatty acids iso-C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0 were consistent with the fatty acid patterns reported for members of the genus Ornithinimicrobium. The DNA G+C composition is 71.4 mol%. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain CPCC 203535 T from its closest phylogenetic species in the genus Ornithinimicrobium. Strain CPCC 203535 T represents a novel species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, for which the name Ornithinimicrobium flavum sp. nov. is proposed, with CPCC 203535 T (=NBRC 109452 T =KCTC 29164 T ) as the type strain.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming actinobacterial strain, designated CPCC 204077 T , was isolated from the surface-sterilized root of a medicinal plant Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) collected from Sichuan Province, south-west China. The peptidoglycan type of strain CPCC 204077 T was detected as A4α with an l-Lys-l-Ser-d-Asp interpeptide bridge. Galactose, glucose, rhamnose and ribose were the sugar compositions in the whole-cell hydrolysates. MK-8(H4) was the only menaquinone. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, one unidentified phospholipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 71.0 mol%. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CPCC 204077 T stood for a distinct lineage within the family Dermacoccaceaealongside the genera Branchiibius, Demetria and Barrientosiimonas, with the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Branchiibius hedensis Mer 29717 T (95.0 %), Calidifontibacter indicus PC IW02 T (95.0 %), Barrientosiimonas humi 39 T (94.9 %) and Demetria terragena HKI 0089 T (94.7 %), and less than 94.7 % sequence similarities to all other species. Signature nucleotides in the 16S rRNA sequence showed that the strain contained the Dermacoccaceaefamily-specific 16S rRNA signature nucleotides and a genus-specific diagnostic nucleotide signature pattern. Combining the genotypic and phenotypic analyses, we propose that strain CPCC 204077 T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Dermacoccaceae with the name Allobranchiibius huperziae gen. nov., sp. nov. Strain CPCC 204077 T (=NBRC 110719 T =DSM 29531 T ) is the type strain of the type species.

The taxonomic position of an actinobacterium, designated CPCC 204279T, which was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample of the herb Limonium sinense collected from Xinjiang Province, China, was established using a polyphasic approach. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain CPCC 204279T contained galactose and arabinose as diagnostic sugars and meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid. The muramic acid residues in the peptidoglycan were N-acetylated. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The phospholipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 1ω9c, iso-C16 : 1 and C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 73.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CPCC 204279T should be placed in the family Pseudonocardiaceae, in which the strain formed a distinct lineage next to the genus Actinophytocola. Signature nucleotides in the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain contained the Pseudonocardiaceae family-specific 16S rRNA signature nucleotides and a genus-specific diagnostic nucleotide signature pattern. The combination of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics supported the conclusion that strain CPCC 204279T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Pseudonocardiaceae, for which the name Herbihabitans rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain CPCC 204279T (=NBRC 111774T=DSM 101727T) is the type strain of the type species.

A novel aerobic actinomycete, designated strain I12A-02601T, was isolated from a desert soil crusts sample collected from the Shapotou region of Tengger Desert, north-west China. The substrate mycelia of this isolate were well-developed and branched, but not fragmented. The maturity aerial mycelia formed short chains of small, rod-shaped spores. The strain contained ll-diaminopimelic acid, dd-diaminopimelic acid, galactose, glucose, ribose and xylose in its whole-cell hydrolysates. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids, phosphatidylinositolmannoside and glycolipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H8). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.2 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequences comparison showed that strain I12A-02601T was most closely related to members of the family Nocardioidaceae, such as Actinopolymorpha alba YIM 48868T (93.3 % sequence similarity), Actinopolymorpha pittospori PIP 143T (93.2 %), and Flindersiella endophytica EUM 378T (93.2 %). In the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain I12A-02601T formed a clade with the members of the genera Flindersiella, Thermasporomyces, and Actinopolymorpha in the family Nocardioidaceae. Combined data from this taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach, led to the conclusion that strain I12A-02601T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Nocardioidaceae, for which the name Tenggerimyces mesophilus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is I12A-02601T ( = CPCC 203544T = DSM 45829T = NBRC 109454T).

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, straight or slightly bent rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain CC5-806T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a wild karst cave in the Wulong region, Chongqing, PR China and examined using a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. This bacterium did not produce substrate mycelium or aerial hyphae, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Strain CC5-806T grew optimally without NaCl at 20 °C and at pH 7.0. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain CC5-806T belonged to the family Microbacteriaceae and showed the highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Frigoribacterium endophyticum EGI 6500707T (97.56 %), Frigoribacterium faeni 801T (97.53 %) and Glaciihabitans tibetensis MP203T (97.42 %). Phylogenetic trees revealed that strain CC5-806T did not show a clear affiliation to any genus within the family Microbacteriaceae. The DNA G+C content of strain CC5-806T was 62.6 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained l-lysine as a diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-11, MK-10 and MK-9. Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, four unidentified phospholipids and other polar lipids were detected in the polar lipid extracts. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain CC5-806T was distinguishable from phylogenetically related genera in the family Microbacteriaceae. It represents a novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Lysinibacter cavernae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC5-806T ( = DSM 27960T = CGMCC 1.14983T).

A rod- or coccus-shaped, non-spore-forming actinobacterium, designated strain SC8A-24(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the rhizosphere of Alhagi sparsifolia on the southern edge of the Taklimakan desert, Xinjiang, China, and examined by a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. This actinobacterium was Gram-staining-positive and aerobic. Substrate and aerial mycelia were not observed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Strain SC8A-24(T) grew optimally without NaCl at 28-30 °C and pH 7.0-8.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SC8A-24(T) belonged to the genus Nocardioides and shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Nocardioides salarius CL-Z59(T) (96.51%), N. pyridinolyticus OS4(T) (96.43%) and N. ginsengagri BX5-10(T) (96.37%). The DNA G+C content of strain SC8A-24(T) was 71 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid, and MK-8(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were C17 : 1ω8c, 10-methyl C17 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9c. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SC8A-24(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides , for which the name Nocardioides deserti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SC8A-24(T) ( =DSM 26045(T)  = CGMCC 4.7183(T))., (© 2015 IUMS.)

An actinomycete strain, designated I12A-02593(T), was isolated from a desert soil crust sample collected in the Shapotou region of Tengger Desert, north-west China. The isolate grew well on International Streptomyces Project (ISP) media 2, 3, 5 and 7, YS and Bennett's agar; it produced spherical bodies and formed clumps on the aerial mycelia on ISP 5 agar plates. Chemotaxonomically, the strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, arabinose and galactose as the diagnostic sugars in whole-cell hydrolysates, MK-9(H4) as the sole isoprenoid quinone, and iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 2-OH and iso-C16 : 1 H as the major cellular fatty acids, without mycolic acids. The profile of the phospholipids mainly comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.1 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain I12A-02593(T) exhibited 96.4-97.4 % similarities with members of the genus Actinophytocola. In the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the isolate formed a robust cluster with Actinophytocola oryzae NBRC 105245(T), Aactinophytocola timorensis NBRC 105524(T), Actinophytocola corallina NBRC 105525(T), Actinophytocola burenkhanensis NBRC 105883(T)and Actinophytocola xinjiangensis NBRC 106673(T). DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain I12A-02593(T) and the five species of the genus Actinophytocola were all less than 70 %. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomy evidence, a novel species of the genus Actinophytocola is proposed, with the name Actinophytocola gilvus sp. nov. The type strain is I12A-02593(T) ( = CPCC 203543(T) = DSM 45828(T) = NBRC 109453(T) = KCTC 29165(T)). An emended description of the genus Actinophytocola is also provided., (© 2014 IUMS.)

Two actinobacterial strains, CPCC 203464(T) and CPCC 203448, isolated from surface-sterilized stems of medicinal plants were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. These two aerobic organisms formed pale yellow colonies on tryptic soy agar (TSA). Cells were Gram-stain-positive, non-acid-fast, non-motile, rod- or coccoid-like elements. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strains CPCC 203464(T) and CPCC 203448 were most closely related to the type strains of the species of the genus Williamsia. Chemotaxonomic properties such as containing meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall, arabinose, galactose and ribose being the whole-cell hydrolysate sugars, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) as the phospholipids, and C16 : 0, 10-methyl C18 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH as major fatty acids supported the affiliation of strains CPCC 203464(T) and CPCC 203448 to the genus Williamsia. The DNA-DNA hybridization values in combination with differentiating chemotaxonomic and physiological characteristics strongly suggested that these two isolates should be classified as representatives of a novel species of the genus Williamsia. The name Williamsia sterculiae sp. nov. is proposed, with strain CPCC 203464(T) ( = DSM 45741(T) = KCTC 29118(T)) as the type strain.

An endophytic actinomycete, designated strain I10A-01259(T), was isolated from a surface-sterilized fruit of Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim., a medicinal plant, which was collected from a suburb of Beijing, China. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained galactose and meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; the menaquinones consisted mainly of MK-9, MK-11 and MK-12, with a minor amount of MK-10. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain I10A-01259(T) was most closely related to Nocardiopsis arabia S186(T) (93.2 % sequence similarity), Thermobifida halotolerans YIM 90462(T) (93.0 %) and other strains of genera within the families Nocardiopsaceae and Thermomonosporaceae. On the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain I10A-01259(T) fell within the radius of the suborder Streptosporangineae, in which the strain formed a distinct lineage next to the genera of the families Nocardiopsaceae and Thermomonosporaceae. Based on the data from our polyphasic taxonomic study, a novel genus and species, Allonocardiopsis opalescens gen. nov., sp. nov., are proposed within the suborder Streptosporangineae. The type strain of Allonocardiopsis opalescens is strain I10A-01259(T) ( = CPCC 203428(T)  = DSM 45601(T)  = KCTC 19844(T)).

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated strain I10A-01402(T), was isolated from surface-sterilized roots of a medicinal plant, Perilla frutescens, collected in a suburb of Beijing, China. Chemotaxonomically, the strain contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone. The phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were C17 : 1ω9c, C18 : 1ω9c, C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.4 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain I10A-01402(T) belonged to the genus Nocardioides. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a robust cluster with Nocardioides ginsengisegetis Gsoil 485(T), N. koreensis MSL-09(T) and N. alkalitolerans KSL-1(T). On the basis of the evidence from our polyphasic taxonomic study, a novel species, Nocardioides perillae sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is I10A-01402(T) ( = CPCC 203382(T)  = DSM 24552(T)  = KCTC 29022(T)).

A gram-positive, non-motile strain, designated CPCC 202695(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, north-west China. Strain CPCC 202695(T) contained rhamnose, glucose and galactose in the cell wall as diagnostic sugars and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, alanine, glutamic acid and glycine in the peptidoglycan. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and two unknown glycolipids. MK-12 was the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (34.2 %), iso-C(15 : 0) (19.8 %), iso-C(16 : 0) (12.7 %) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) (11.1 %) were the major fatty acids. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (94.2-97.1 %) between the isolate and the type strains of recognized species of the genus Agromyces indicated that strain CPCC 202695(T) was a member of the genus Agromyces. DNA-DNA relatedness clearly separated strain CPCC 202695(T) from its closest relatives. The phenotypic and genotypic data demonstrated that strain CPCC 202695(T) represents a novel species of the genus Agromyces, for which the name Agromyces flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CPCC 202695(T) ( = KCTC 19578(T)  = CCM 7623(T)).

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinobacterium, designated strain 6014(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Qinghai province, north-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The isolate formed elementary branching hyphae and abundant aerial mycelia with globose sporangia on ISP 4 and R2A media. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain 6014(T) contained arabinose, galactose and ribose as diagnostic sugars and meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids, two unknown phospholipids and an unknown glycolipid. The menaquinone system contained MK-9(H₂) and MK-9(H₄). The major fatty acids were C₁₄:₀, i-C₁₅:₀, C₁₆:₀ and 10-methyl-C₁₆:₁. The genomic DNA G+C content of the isolate was 69.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 6014(T) fell within the radius of the suborder Streptosporangineae, in which the strain formed a distinct lineage next to genera of the family Streptosporangiaceae. Based on data from this polyphasic study, strain 6014(T) can be readily distinguished from previously described organisms and represents a member of a novel species within a new genus in the suborder Streptosporangineae. The name Sinosporangium album gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with 6014(T) (=DSM 45181(T) =KCTC 19655(T)) as the type strain.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated CPCC 201356(T), was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample of the medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Good growth occurred at 20-32 °C, at pH 7.0-7.5 and with 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl. Colonies on R2A and ISP 2 agar were light red to red, round and lacked aerial mycelium; cells adhered to the agar. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H(4)) and MK-9. Polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and C(17 : 1)ω8c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CPCC 201356(T) belonged to the family Geodermatophilaceae and consistently formed a distinct sub-branch with Geodermatophilus obscurus DSM 43160(T). The organism showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.7 % with G. obscurus DSM 43160(T). DNA-DNA hybridization between strain CPCC 201356(T) and G. obscurus DSM 43160(T) was 17.4 %. On the basis of evidence from this polyphasic taxonomic study, a novel species, Geodermatophilus ruber sp. nov., is proposed; the type strain is CPCC 201356(T) (=DSM 45317(T) =CCM 7619(T)).

An actinomycete, designated CPCC 202699(T), was isolated from soil in Qinghai province, China, and its taxonomic status was established. Strain CPCC 202699(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in its peptidoglycan, arabinose and galactose as the diagnostic sugars in whole-cell hydrolysates, a phospholipid pattern consisting mainly of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, MK-9(H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(16 : 0) (18.8 %), iso-C(15 : 0) (18.1 %), iso-C(14 : 0) (14.2 %), C(16 : 1) cis9 (10.9 %) and C(17 : 1) cis9 (10.3 %) as the major fatty acids. In the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CPCC 202699(T) formed a separate branch within the genus Amycolatopsis. However, strain CPCC 202699(T) showed low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (<97.0 %) with type strains of species with validly published names in the genus Amycolatopsis. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic differences from the closest phylogenetic neighbours of strain CPCC 202699(T), a novel species, Amycolatopsis xylanica sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is CPCC 202699(T) (=DSM 45285(T) =KCTC 19581(T) =CCM 7627(T)).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic, filamentous actinomycete strain, designated YIM 90022(T), was isolated from saline soil collected from the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the new isolate was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis and the sequence similarities between the isolate and the type strains of members of the genus Nocardiopsis were in the range of 95.1-98.7%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties of this organism also indicated that strain YIM 90022(T) was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis. The strain grew well on most of the media tested, producing yellow-white to deep brown substrate mycelium and white aerial mycelium. Light gray to deep brown diffusible pigments were produced. The substrate mycelium was well developed and fragmented with age; the aerial mycelium produced long, straight to flexuous spore chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced, rod-shaped spores on them. The strain grew in the presence of 1-15% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 3-5%) and at pH 6.0-10.5 (optimum, pH 8.5) and 10-45 degrees C (optimum, 30 degrees C). Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain YIM 90022(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and no diagnostic sugars. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(4)), MK-9(H(8)), MK-10(H(6)) and MK-10(H(8)). Polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(16:0), anteiso-C(17:0), 10-methyl-C(18:0) and 10-methyl-C(17:0). The DNA G + C content of strain YIM 90022(T) was 71.5 mol%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the suggestion that strain YIM 90022(T) represents a new species of the genus Nocardiopsis, for which the name Nocardiopsis terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 90022(T) (=CCTCC AA 208011(T) =KCTC 19431(T)).

The taxonomic position of a Gram-stain-positive, aerobic strain, designated 03-9939(T), isolated from a soil sample collected from Xinjiang Province, China, was established using a polyphasic approach. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain 03-9939(T) contained galactose and ribose as diagnostic sugars and meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The phospholipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0) (61.5 %) and iso-C(16 : 1) H (11.6 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 03-9939(T) should be placed within the family Actinosynnemataceae, in which the strain formed a distinct lineage. Signature nucleotides in the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain contained a genus-specific diagnostic nucleotide signature pattern. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the conclusion that strain 03-9939(T) represents a novel species in a new genus of the family Actinosynnemataceae, for which the name Alloactinosynnema album gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain 03-9939(T) (=DSM 45114(T) =KCTC 19294(T) =CCM 7461(T)) is the type strain of Alloactinosynnema album.

Strains YIM 90625(T), YIM 90630(T), YIM 90636(T) and YIM 90694(T) were isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and were subjected to a polyphasic analysis to determine their taxonomic positions. All isolates were moderately halophilic and were able to grow at NaCl concentrations up to 15 or 20 % (w/v). The genomic DNA G+C contents of the strains ranged from 69.1 to 70.1 mol%. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data, the isolates are proposed to represent four novel species of the genus Prauserella for which the names Prauserella salsuginis sp. nov. (type strain YIM 90625(T)=CCTCC AA 208051(T)=DSM 45264(T)), Prauserella flava sp. nov. (type strain YIM 90630(T)=CCTCC AA 208052(T)=DSM 45265(T)), Prauserella aidingensis sp. nov. (type strain YIM 90636(T)=CCTCC AA 208053(T)=DSM 45266(T)) and Prauserella sediminis sp. nov. (type strain YIM 90694(T)=CCTCC AA 208054(T)=DSM 45267(T)).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, alkalitolerant, filamentous, aerobic actinomycete, designated strain JSM 073097(T), was isolated from a sea anemone collected from a tidal flat in the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the new isolate was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis and was most closely related to Nocardiopsis kunsanensis HA-9(T), Nocardiopsis xinjiangensis YIM 90004(T) and Nocardiopsis salina YIM 90010(T) (99.6, 98.5 and 98.1 % similarity, respectively). Phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data also indicated that strain JSM 073097(T) was a member of the genus Nocardiopsis. The strain grew well on most of the media tested, producing white to yellow-white substrate mycelium and white aerial mycelium and straight to flexuous hyphae. The substrate mycelium was well developed and fragmented with age; the aerial mycelium produced long, straight to flexuous spore chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced, rod-shaped spores. The strain grew in the presence of 1-15 % (w/v) total salts and at pH 6.0-10.5 and 20-35 degrees C; optimum growth occurred in the presence of 5-7 % (w/v) total salts and at pH 8.5 and 25 degrees C. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain JSM 073097(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and no diagnostic sugars. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(4)), MK-10(H(6)) and MK-10(H(8)). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), anteiso-C(16 : 0) and 10-methyl C(18 : 0). Polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content of strain JSM 073097(T) was 70.4 mol%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the suggestion that strain JSM 073097(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nocardiopsis, for which the name Nocardiopsis litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 073097(T) (=DSM 45168(T)=KCTC 19473(T)).

Two novel halophilic, aerobic, catalase-positive but oxidase-negative, Gram-positive actinomycetes, designated YIM 91353(T) and YIM 91394(T), were isolated from a salt lake in the north-west of China. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel isolates should be assigned to the genus Streptomonospora. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolates also matched those described for members of the genus Streptomonospora. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(8)), MK-10(H(6)) and MK-9(H(8)), and meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic amino acid in the cell walls. The phospholipids of the isolates consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The major fatty acids of strain YIM 91353(T) were anteiso-C(17 : 0) and C(18 : 0), and of strain YIM 91394(T) were anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0). The DNA G+C contents were 71.2 and 72.5 mol%, respectively. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic differences supported the view that strains YIM 91353(T) and YIM 91394(T) each represent a novel species of the genus Streptomonospora, for which the names Streptomonospora amylolytica sp. nov. and Streptomonospora flavalba sp. nov. are proposed, with type strains YIM 91353(T) (=DSM 45171(T)=CCTCC AA 208048(T)) and YIM 91394(T) (=DSM 45155(T)=CCTCC AA 208047(T)), respectively.

A novel marine actinomycete, designated SCSIO 00652(T), was isolated from a marine sediment collected from the northern South China Sea at a depth of 3865 m. The strain formed branched substrate mycelia and no fragmentation was found. Abundant aerial mycelia differentiated into long spore chains and the spores had a wrinkled surface. Growth occurred on ISP medium 2 with 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl and at 10-55 degrees C. The whole-cell hydrolysate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and glucose as the whole-cell sugar. blast search results based on an almost-complete 16S rRNA gene sequence showed the novel strain had the highest similarity (96.5 %) with Nocardiopsis trehalosi VKM Ac-942(T). The phylogenetic tree of the family Nocardiopsaceae indicated that strain SCSIO 00652(T) formed a distinct lineage at the deepest branch with a high bootstrap value. Additionally, the profiles of menaquinones, phospholipids and fatty acids showed there were marked differences between strain SCSIO 00652(T) and the recognized genera of the family Nocardiopsaceae. Based on the polyphasic data, a new genus, Marinactinospora gen. nov., is proposed within the family Nocardiopsaceae with the type species Marinactinospora thermotolerans sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is SCSIO 00652(T) (=DSM 45154(T)=CCTCC AA 208041(T)).

An actinobacterial strain YIM 80766T was isolated from a soil sample collected from the eastern desert of Egypt, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have a range of chemical and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Dietzia. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 80766T and the other type strains of recognized members of the genus Dietzia were 97.0-98.9%. However, DNA-DNA hybridization values and phenotypic characteristics revealed that the strain differed from the currently recognized species of the genus Dietzia. Therefore, strain YIM 80766T represents a novel species of the genus Dietzia, for which the name Dietzia lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 80766T ( = KCTC 19232T = DSM 45074T = CCTCC AA 207008T). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain YIM 80766T has been deposited in GenBank under the accession number EU821598.

An endophytic actinomycete strain, designated YIM 56035(T), was isolated from the inner tissue of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Lobelia clavata. The strain stained Gram-positive, was aerobic and exhibited branching, white aerial mycelium and yellowish-brown substrate mycelium. The strain formed spore chains on aerial hyphae. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.3 mol%. On the basis of morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain YIM 56035(T) was assigned to the genus Pseudonocardia. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 98.5, 97.3, 97.3 and 97.1 % similarity to the closely related type strains Pseudonocardia kongjuensis LM 157(T), Pseudonocardia autotrophica IMSNU 20050(T), Pseudonocardia ammonioxydans H9(T) and Pseudonocardia compacta IMSNU 20111(T), respectively. The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations and comparison of some phenotypic characteristics revealed that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia. The name Pseudonocardia endophytica sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain YIM 56035(T) (=DSM 44969(T) =CCTCC AA 206026(T) =KCTC 19150(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated YIM 45751(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Xishuang Banna tropical rainforest, Yunnan province, south-west China, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained ribose, xylose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(4)), MK-10(H(6)), MK-11(H(4)) and MK-11(H(6)). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and three unknown phospholipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that Stackebrandtia nassauensis DSM 44728(T) was the closest phylogenetic neighbour (95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phylogenetic and some common chemotaxonomic data, the isolate should belong to the genus Stackebrandtia. However, phylogenetic analysis and comparison of physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics demonstrated that the isolate is distinct from S. nassauensis DSM 44728(T). Strain YIM 45751(T) represents a separate species of the genus Stackebrandtia, for which the name Stackebrandtia albiflava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45751(T) (=DSM 45044(T)=CCTCC AA 206003(T)). Furthermore, the description of the genus Stackebrandtia is also required to be emended.

The taxonomic position of an actinomycete, designated SCSIO 00231(T), isolated from a sediment sample collected from the northern South China Sea, was determined by using a polyphasic approach. The organism formed fragmented substrate hyphae and sparse aerial mycelium on modified ISP 2 medium. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain SCSIO 00231(T) fell into the family Pseudonocardiaceae, in which it formed a distinct lineage and was loosely associated with Thermocrispum municipale DSM 44069(T), with 93 % similarity. The other closest phylogenetic neighbours were Saccharopolyspora erythraea NRRL 2338(T) (92.6 % similarity) and Amycolatopsis sacchari DSM 44468(T) (93.1 % similarity). The isolate had cell-wall type IV (meso-diaminopimelic acid and whole-cell sugars arabinose, galactose and glucose) and phospholipid type III. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69 mol%. Based on these data, strain SCSIO 00231(T) can be readily distinguished from previously described organisms and represents a new genus within the family Pseudonocardiaceae. The name Sciscionella gen. nov. is proposed, with the novel species Sciscionella marina sp. nov. The type strain of Sciscionella marina is SCSIO 00231(T) (=KCTC 19433(T) =CCTCC AA208009(T)).

Two actinobacterial strains, YIM 65001(T) and YIM 65002(T), were isolated from surface-sterilized plant tissues collected from Yunnan Province, south-west China, and their taxonomic positions were determined by using a polyphasic approach. The DNA G+C contents of strains YIM 65001(T) and YIM 65002(T) were 71.9 and 72.6 mol%, respectively. The two strains had chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with their classification in the genus Dietzia. Phylogenetic analysis based on almost-complete 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 65001(T) was related most closely to Dietzia maris DSM 43672(T) and that strain YIM 65002(T) was related most closely to Dietzia natronolimnaea CBS 107.95(T). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains YIM 65001(T) and YIM 65002(T) and the type strains of other recognized members of the genus Dietzia were 95.8-99.8 %. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments confirmed the separate genomic status of strains YIM 65001(T) and YIM 65002(T). Strains YIM 65001(T) and YIM 65002(T) showed significant phenotypic differences between each other and their closest recognized neighbours. On the basis of their phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctiveness, the two novel isolates were identified as representing two novel species of the genus Dietzia, for which the names Dietzia schimae sp. nov. (type strain YIM 65001(T)=CCTCC AA 207015(T)=DSM 45139(T)) and Dietzia cercidiphylli sp. nov. (type strain YIM 65002(T)=CCTCC AA 207016(T)=DSM 45140(T)) are proposed.

An actinomycete, designated strain YIM 56134(T), was isolated from the root of a Chinese medicinal plant, Carex baccans Nees, collected from Yunnan, south-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. An analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that strain YIM 56134(T) was a member of the genus Glycomyces, being most closely related to Glycomyces algeriensis NRRL B-16327(T) (99.0 % similarity), Glycomyces lechevalierae DSM 44724(T) (99.0 %), Glycomyces rutgersensis IFO 14488(T) (98.9 %) and Glycomyces harbinensis IFO 14487(T) (98.7 %). Strain YIM 56134(T) could be distinguished from other established Glycomyces species on the basis of relatively low sequence similarity (<97 %). Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Glycomyces. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and some physiological and biochemical tests allowed differentiation of the strain from related Glycomyces species. Therefore, strain YIM 56134(T) represents a novel species of the genus Glycomyces, for which the name Glycomyces endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 56134(T) (=KCTC 19152(T) =DSM 45002(T)).

A Gram-positive, aerobic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 45505(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. Cells exhibited cream-white aerial mycelium and orange-yellow to yellow-brown substrate mycelium. The substrate mycelium fragmented into rod-shaped elements, and the aerial mycelium formed long chains of spores. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain YIM 45505(T) was related most closely to Pseudonocardia oroxyli DSM 44984(T) (98.5% similarity) and Pseudonocardia halophobica IMSNU 21327(T) (97.5%). The G+C content of the DNA of strain YIM 45505(T) was 74.1 mol%. Combined with results of DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic tests, these data revealed that strain YIM 45505(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the name Pseudonocardia ailaonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45505(T) (=KCTC 19315(T) =DSM 44979(T)).

The actinomycete strain YIM 90462T was isolated from a salt mine sample collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that the isolate, which had sequence similarities of more than 97 % to Thermobifida alba, Thermobifida fusca and Thermobifida cellulosilytica, was a candidate member of the genus Thermobifida. Subsequently, a polyphasic approach was used to clarify the taxonomic position of strain YIM 90462T. Its diagnostic diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid and whole-cell sugars contained galactose, xylose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H8). The major fatty acids were iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. Results of DNA-DNA hybridizations and physiological and biochemical tests enabled genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain YIM 90462T from the three Thermobifida species with validly published names. Consequently, it is proposed that strain YIM 90462T should be recognized as a representative of a novel species of Thermobifida, Thermobifida halotolerans sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 90462T (=KCTC 19123T =DSM 44931T). In addition, an emended description of the genus Thermobifida is presented.

An actinomycete strain, designated YIM 91355(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hypersaline soil in Xinjiang Province, China, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The strain grew well on most media tested and no diffusible pigment was produced. The aerial mycelium of this organism was well developed but not fragmented and, at maturity, formed short chains of spores. Substrate mycelium was branched with non-fragmenting hyphae and single, oval to round spores were formed, borne on sporophores. Strain YIM 91355(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid. The purified cell-wall hydrolysate contained galactose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H(8)) (43.2 %), MK-10(H(6)) (17.7 %) and MK-11(H(8)) (10.4 %). Phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were i-C(16 : 0), ai-C(17 : 0), 10-methyl C(17 : 0) and 10-methyl C(18 : 0). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Streptomonospora of the family Nocardiopsaceae. Based on phenotypic and genotypic data, it is concluded that strain YIM 91355(T) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomonospora, for which the name Streptomonospora halophila sp. nov. (type strain YIM 91355(T) =DSM 45075(T) =KCTC 19236(T)) is proposed.

A novel actinomycete, strain YIM 45681(T), which was isolated from soil in a suburb of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, was subjected to phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The micro-organism, which produces short spore chains arranged in spirals on the aerial mycelium, was shown to have meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. The sugars present in whole-cell hydrolysates were ribose, xylose, galactose, madurose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H(4)), MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(2)). The phospholipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 1) H, C(17 : 1) omega 8c, 10-methyl C(17 : 0) and C(16 : 0). A comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the organism formed a distinct clade within the evolutionary radiation of the family Thermomonosporaceae, and that it was closely associated with members of the genus Actinomadura. A broad range of phenotypic and genetic data supported the suggestion that this organism represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura alba sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 45681(T) (=DSM 45045(T) =CCTCC AA206005(T)) as the type strain.

A Gram-positive, motile, short-rod-shaped strain, designated YIM 004(T), was isolated from a forest-soil sample collected from Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China, and was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolate contained chemotaxonomic markers that corresponded to those of its phylogenetic neighbour, Georgenia muralis, i.e. it possessed peptidoglycan type A4 alpha with lysine as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid, the predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H(4)) and the major fatty acid was ai-C(15 : 0). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.9 mol%. Strain YIM 004(T) exhibited a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.3 % and a DNA-DNA relatedness value of 18 % with respect to G. muralis DSM 14418(T). On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic differences between the isolate and G. muralis, strain YIM 004(T) represents a novel species of the genus Georgenia, for which the name Georgenia ruanii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 004(T) (=CCTCC AB 204065(T)=DSM 17458(T)=KCTC 19029(T)). In addition, an emended description of the genus Georgenia is presented.

A Gram-positive, non-motile actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 70177(T), was isolated from a saline soil sample from Qinghai Province, north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis of this organism based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed 98.3% similarity to Isoptericola variabilis DSM 10177(T). Chemotaxonomic data determined for the isolate, such as the peptidoglycan type A4alpha, variation L-Lys-D-Asp, supported the placement of strain YIM 70177(T) within the genus Isoptericola. Galactose was detected as cell wall sugar. Phospholipids identified were phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol, and the predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H(4)) and MK-9(H(2)). The major fatty acids were ai-C(15:0), C(16:0), ai-C(17:0) and i-C(15:0). The DNA G+C content was 72.8 mol%. The low level of DNA-DNA relatedness (27.4%) to I. variabilis DSM 10177(T) in combination with differentiating chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that the isolate YIM 70177(T) should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Isoptericola. The name Isoptericola halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, with strain YIM 70177(T) (=DSM 16376(T)=KCTC 19046(T)) as the type strain.

A coccoid actinobacterium strain (designated YIM 70178(T)) was isolated from a soil sample collected in Qinghai Province, China. The isolate grew well with an optimum salt concentration of 10-15% (KCl, w/v) but scarcely or not at all without salt. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was A4alpha, L-Lys-gly-L-Glu. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown glycolipid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-8 and MK-9. The major fatty acid was anteiso-C(15:0). The DNA G+C content was 57.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 70178(T) was most closely related to the type strain of Yania halotolerans. DNA-DNA hybridization and comparison of physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics demonstrated that strain YIM 70178(T) was different from Yania halotolerans. The name Yania flava sp. nov. is proposed, with strain YIM 70178(T) (=DSM 16377(T)=KCTC 19047(T)) as the type strain. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic position, as determined by 16S rRNA gene analysis and 16S rRNA signature nucleotide data, the genus description of Yania is therefore emended and strains YIM 70085(T) and YIM 70178(T) represent a novel family of the suborder Micrococcineae, for which the name Yaniaceae fam. nov. is proposed.

Summary: Two actinomycete strains, designated YIM 30006T and YIM 31075T, were isolated from soil samples in Yunnan, China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Morphological and chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that the two isolates should be consistent with the nocardioform actinomycetes. Comparative 16S rDNA sequences confirmed that the two unknown isolates to be members of the genus Kribbella. Based on the results of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic studies and DNA–DNA hybridization results, strains YIM 30006T and YIM 31075T should be classified as two novel species of the genus Kribbella, for which the names Kribbella yunnanensis sp. nov. and Kribbella alba sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains for them are YIM 30006T (=CCTCC AA001019T=DSM 15499T) and YIM 31075T (=CCTCC AA 001020T=DSM 15500T), respectively. The 16S rDNA sequences of strains YIM 30006T, YIM 31075T have been deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers AY 082061 and AY 082062, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]