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A fungal strain designated KNU16-007, belonging to the family Botryosphaeriaceae, was isolated from soil in Daegu, Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the ITS and TEF-1α regions, showed that the isolate resides in a clade together with Diplodia species but occupies a distinct phylogenetic position. Conidial dimensions of strain KNU16-007 (22.7–29.3 μm × 8.9–10.9 μm) or its conidial length:width ratio were significantly differed from those of the closely related D. sapinea, D. intermedia, D. scrobiculata, D. seriata, D. crataegicola, D. rosacearum, and D. citricarpa clearly indicating morphological differences from these species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and discussions regarding the morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the closely related species are provided to support the novelty of the isolated species. The results of phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations indicate that strain KNU16-007 represents a novel species in the genus Diplodia, for which the name Diplodia parva sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-stain negative, rod shaped, motile by gliding, yellow-pigmented, aerobic bacterium, designated SE-1-eT, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Dokdo Island, South Korea. The isolate was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach based on the phenotypic and genomic analyses. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SE-1-eT belonged to the genus Flavobacterium in the family Flavobacteriaceae and had the highest sequence similarity with Flavobacterium cheongpyeongense IMCC34759T (97.5%), Flavobacterium arsenitoxidans S2-3HT (97.4%), Flavobacterium resistens BD-b365T (97.4%), and Flavobacterium chungangense CJ7T (97.4%). The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-6; the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine; and the major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C15:0 iso, and C16:0. The draft genome of strain SE-1-eT had a length of 3,715,609 bp and a DNA G + C content of 34.8 mol%. The nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the novel isolate and F. cheongpyeongense IMCC34759T, F. resistens BD-b365T, and Flavobacterium chungangense CJ7T ranged from 74.9 to 75.3% and from 20.2 to 20.9%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain SE-1-eT represents a novel species in the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium agrisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SE-1-eT (= KCTC 82352 T = JCM 34302 T).

During the screening of Korean microflora, a fungal strain (KNU-PT-1804) belonging to the genus Pestalotiopsis was isolated from persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki) bark collected from North Gyeongsang Province, Korea. The strain, KNU-PT-1804, produced smaller conidia compared with related species P. kenyana, P. neglecta, and P. telopeae. The novelty of the strain was confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis using molecular datasets of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, β-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1α) genes. Molecular phylogeny strongly supports that the strain is distinct from previously known Pestalotiopsis species, and we proposed the novel species, Pestalotiopsis kaki sp. nov., and provide a detailed description and illustration.

The strains 17E-042, 17E-039, and NC13-171 belong to Ascomycota and were isolated from soil collected from Sancheong-gun and Yeongam-gun, Korea. The strain 17E-042 produced white mycelial colonies that developed a sienna color with a round margin on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and the reverse side developed a light sienna color. Morphologically, this strain was similar to the strains of Arthrinium phragmites and A. hydei, but the shorter conidial size of the newly identified strain (17E-042) was distinct. The strain 17E-039 produced macroconidia that were pale yellow to orange-brown, elongated-ellipsoid to oblong, round at both ends, primarily straight but sometimes slightly curved, 0-septate, thin-walled, and filled with numerous droplets, having diameters of 20.4–34.3 × 8.0–12.0 μm. And the strain NC13-171 formed hyaline to light brown chlamydospores, solitary or in a chain. Multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted using sequence data obtained from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, 28S rDNA large subunit (LSU), β-tubulin (TUB2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), and RNA polymerase II large subunit (RPB2) genes. The results of molecular phylogeny, the detailed descriptions and illustrations of each species strongly support our proposal that these strains from soil in Korea be designated as Arthrinium minutisporum sp. nov. and two new records of Pezicula neosporulosa and Acrocalymma pterocarpi.

Plant-rhizobacteria interaction and co-evolution developed adaptive strategies which may help the plant survive in nature. Plant rhizosphere soil isolates were analyzed to investigated the effects of rhizobacteria for promoting plant growth and suppress plant disease. Bacterial strains which isolated from plant rhizosphere soil were screened for elicitation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) on tobacco. Strain S2-3-2 results in significant reduction of disease severity on tobacco, it was identified as Bacillus pumilus by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). Strain S2-3-2 was deeper studied for pepper plant growth promotion and biological control activity against pepper bacterial spot disease. It was found that the pepper disease severity was decreased when the roots were drenched with strain S2-3-2, and the pepper plants had a higher weight and chlorophyll content, as compared with the mock-treated plants. Transcriptional expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) protein genes in pepper was analyzed by real-time PCR, gene expressions of CaPR1, CaPR4, and CaPR10 were increased when the plants were treated with strain S2-3-2. Moreover, strain S2-3-2 was tested for the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and it was determined to emit volatiles that enhance the growth of the tobacco plants. Interesting, heat-killed S2-3-2 enhance the pepper root growth, increase the gene expressions of CaPR4 and CaPR10 after pathogen challenge for 6 h, but limited to suppress the pepper bacterial spot disease as compare to the mock-treated plants. Strain S2-3-2 can be a potential biological control agent on the plant root for plant growth promoting and disease suppression.

Three fungal strains belonging to the class Sordariomycetes were isolated from soils collected from Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea. They were identified as Cephalotrichum hinnuleum (UD CT 1-3-3 and KNU-19GWF1) and Thelonectria chlamydospora sp. nov. (UD ST 1-2-1). T. chlamydospora sp. nov. was morphologically identical to T. truncata, but its specific macroconidial dimensions, lower number of septations, and chlamydospore diameter render it distinct from the strains of the genus Thelonectria. The strains UD CT 1-3-3 and KNU-19GWF1 were developed flat, velvety to felty, and golden gray to brown-gray after 14 days of incubation at 25 °C on PDA. These strains were produced polyblastic conidiogenous cells and conidia were pale brown to brown, smooth, thin-walled, subglobose to ellipsoidal, arranged in chains, and the diameters of 6.7–9.0 × 3.7–5.1 μm. The strains were also confirmed by using the multi-locus genes using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, partial large subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1-α), β-tubulin (TUB2), and actin (ACT) genes. This is the discovery of T. chlamydospora sp. nov. and Cephalotrichum hinnuleum, a new record from Korea.

Red spots symptoms were observed on the leaves of Rumex japonicus Houtt. in Goesan, Korea, in May 2019. Diseased leaf showing red spot and white-colored sori were found behind of diseased leaves. Aeciospores were confirmed and observed using a stereomicroscope, light microscope, and scanning electron microscope. They were globose or ovoid and measured 19.0–24.4×19.0–24.5 μm, with verrucae ornamentation. For the phylogenetic analysis, partial of large subunit rDNA region and cytochrome c oxidase subunit III were sequenced. As a result, the isolated fungus species showed high similarities with Puccinia prizeliana. Based on the previous report, morphological characters, phylogenetic analysis, it was confirmed as Puccinia phragmitis which have not been reported in Korea, and we firstly report this fungal agent on R. japonicus as P. phragmitis in Korea.

Two fungal species of ascomycetes were discovered during the screening of soil microflora from the Gangwon Province in Korea: Didymella chlamydospora sp. nov. (YW23-14) and Microdochium salmonicolor sp. nov. (NC14-294). Morphologically, YW23-14 produces smaller chlamydospores (8.0–17.0 × 7.0–15.0 µm) than D. glomerata and D. musae. The strain NC14-294 was characterized by smaller conidiogenous cells (4.9–8.8 × 2.0–3.2 µm) compared with the closest strains M. fisheri and M. phragmitis. The detailed descriptions, illustrations, and discussions regarding the morphological and phylogenetical analyses of the closely related species are provided to support the novelty of each species. Thus, YW23-14 and NC14-294 are described here as newly discovered species.

A bacterial strain, 17J42-1T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Colonies grown on R2A agar were pink in color, and cells were Gram-stain negative, short and rod-shaped. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Methylobacterium in the family Methylobacteriaceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity shared with Methylobacterium oxalidis 35aT (98.6%), Methylobacterium jeotgali S2R03-9T (97.5%), and Methylobacterium soli YIM 48816T (97.3%). Cells grew at 15–35 °C, pH 5–9, and in the presence of 0–1.0% NaCl. The genomic G + C content was 70.2 mol% based on the whole genome analysis. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, the major fatty acid was C18:1ω7c (85.3%), and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain 17J42-1T with the genus Methylobacterium. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between the isolate and its closest phylogenetic neighbors was lower than 38%. The OrthoANI and dDDH values between strain 17J42-1T and the closest type strain Methylobacterium oxalidis NBRC 107715T were calculated to be 85.9% and 30.6%, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis, and the observed differentiating phenotypic properties from other closely related taxa clearly indicate that strain 17J42-1T represents a novel species in the genus Methylobacterium, for which the name Methylobacterium segetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17J42-1T (= KCTC 62267T = JCM 33059T).

To detect Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection method were developed. The LAMP assay was designed to test crude plant tissue without pre-extraction, or heating incubation, and without advanced analysis equipment. The LAMP primers were designed by targeting an ABC transporter ATP-binding protein, this primer set was tested using the genomic DNA of Xanthomonas and non-Xanthomonas strains, and a ladder product was generated from the genomic DNA of X. arboricola pv. pruni strain but not from 12 other Xanthomonas species strains and 6 strains of other genera. The LAMP conditions were checked with the healthy leaves of 31 peach varieties, and no reaction was detected using either the peach leaves or the peach DNA as a template. Furthermore, the high diagnostic accuracy of the LAMP method was confirmed with 13 X. arboricola pv. pruni strains isolated from various regions in Korea, with all samples exhibiting a positive reaction in LAMP assays. In particular, the LAMP method successfully detected the pathogen in diseased peach leaves and fruit in the field, and the LAMP conditions were proven to be a reliable diagnostic method for the specific detection and identification of X. arboricola pv. pruni in peach orchards.

Fungal strains, designated KNU-NL4 and KNU-OL2, belonging to the family Didymellaceae were isolated from a soil sample collected in Miryang, Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of DNA sequences of ITS regions and partial sequences of ACT, CAL, TEF1-α, and β-TUB genes showed that the isolates reside in a clade together with Boeremia species but occupy the distinct phylogenetic position. Morphologically, the novel strains produce bigger conidiomata (average size 169.8 μm) than the closely related B. rhapontica (126.59 μm) and smaller than the other close neighbor B. coffeae (187.5 μm). Both novel strains also differed from them by smaller colony size and colony color on OA and MEA. The detailed descriptions, illustrations, and discussions regarding the morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the closely related species are provided to support the novelty of the isolated species. The results of phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations indicate that strains KNU-NL4 and KNU-OL2 represent a novel species in the genus Boeremia, for which the name Boeremia parva sp. nov. is proposed.

A bacterial strain, designated BT258T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Uijeongbu-si, Gyeong-do Province, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram stain negative, aerobic, rod shaped, motile by gliding, and formed light pink-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Growth of the isolate was observed at 10–37 °C and pH 6–7. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain BT258T is a member of the genus Adhaeribacter in the family Hymenobacteraceae and had the highest sequence similarity with ‘Adhaeribacter soli’ MA2T (97.1%), Adhaeribacter terreus DNG6T (96.6%), and Adhaeribacter terrae HY02T (96.5%). The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was MK-7, the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine, and the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (37.7%), summed feature 4 (C17:1 anteiso B/iso-C17:1 I; 16.8%), and C16:0 (10.3%). The draft genome of strain BT258T had a whole length of 4,974,022 bp and DNA G + C content of 46.0 mol%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between the novel isolate and ‘Adhaeribacter soli’ and seven other Adhaeribacter species ranged from 17.9 to 22.7% and 69.7 to 77.9%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain BT258T represents a novel species in the genus Adhaeribacter, for which the name Adhaeribacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BT258T (= KCTC 72409 T = JCM 34303 T).

A bacterial strain, 17JY9-4T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, South Korea. Colonies grown on R2A agar are pale pink in color, and cells are Gram-stain negative, short, and rod-shaped. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity shared with Mucilaginibacter lutimaris BR-3T (98.0%), Mucilaginibacter rigui WPCB133T (98.0%), Mucilaginibacter phyllosphaerae PP-F2F-G21T (97.0%), Mucilaginibacter amnicola TAPP7T (96.8%), and Mucilaginibacter soli R9-65T (96.7%). Growth of strain 17JY9-4T occurs at 10–30 °C, pH 6–8, and in the presence of 0–1.0% NaCl. The genomic G+C content is 44.38 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate is MK-7; the major fatty acids are summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) (39.7%), iso-C15:0 (22.8%), iso-C17:0 3-OH (7.8%), and C16:0 (7.7%); and the major polar lipid is phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the placement of strain 17JY9-4T within the genus Mucilaginibacter. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between the isolate and M. rigui, M. lutimaris, M. phyllosphaerae, M. amnicola, and M. soli were 44.3 ± 3.0%, 38.6 ± 3.7%, 23.2 ± 2.9%, 21.9 ± 3.1%, and 18.6 ± 3.7%, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis, and the observed differentiating phenotypic properties from other closely related taxa clearly indicate that strain 17JY9-4T represents a novel species in the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17JY9-4T (= KCTC 62294T = JCM 33049T).

노루궁뎅이버섯(Hericium erinaceum) 추출물의 총 페놀성 성분함량은 물 추출물은 0.349±0.004 mg/sample g이었고, 에탄올 추출물은 0.258±0.012 mg/sample g을 나타내었다. 노루궁뎅이버섯은 농도 의존적으로 DPPH 라디칼 소거활성이 있는 것으로 나타났으며, positive control로 사용한 BHA 보다 더 높은 항산화력을 나타내었다. 기능성식품활성에서 노루궁뎅이버섯 에탄올추출물은 50-200 μg/mL 페놀성 성분 농도구간에서 농도 의존적으로 xanthine oxidase 저해효과를 나타내었으며, α-glucosidase 저해 활성은 50 μg/mL 페놀성 성분 농도에서 80% 이상의 높은 저해활성을 나타내었다. 항염증인자로 hyaluronidase 저해활성은 물과 에탄올 추출물 모두 농도의존적으로 저해효과를 나타내었다. 기능성 미용식품활성에서 노루궁뎅이버섯 에탄올추출물의 collagenase 저해활성은 200 μg/mL 페놀성 성분 농도에서 물과 에탄올 추출물에서 각각 65.09%와 58.38%의 높은 저해활성을 나타내었고, tyrosinase 저해활성을 측정한 결과, 물 추출물에서 9.4-58.24%의 농도의존적인 저해효과를 나타내었다. 또한 노루궁뎅이버섯 ethanol 추출물 50-200 μg/mL 페놀성 성분농도구간에서 18.94-100%의 우수한 모공수축 효과가 확인되었다. 식품부패유발미생물에 대한 항균활성을 측정한 결과, 노루궁뎅이버섯 추출물은 2.5 mg/mL 이상의 농도에서 Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, Vibrio parahaemolyticus 및 Escherichia coli에 대한 높은 항균활성을 나타내었다. 따라서 노루궁뎅이버섯은 건강기능성 식품 및 미용식품원료로 활용이 가능하며 부패균에 대한 천연방부제로 활용이 가능할 것으로 판단되었다.

This study aimed to estimate the annual change in radiographic indices for juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) and to analyze the factors that influence deformity progression.Patients aged15 years who had JHV and were followed up for at least 1 year were included. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), hallux interphalangeal angle, intermetatarsal angle, metatarsus adductus angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle, and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle were evaluated. The progression rate of HVA was adjusted by multiple factors by using a linear mixed model.A total of 133 feet were included. The HVA and distal metatarsal articular angle both increased by 0.8° per year (p0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). HVA increased by 1.5° per year (p0.001) at under the age of 10, and the HVA progression in the older patients was not statistically significant.JHV deformity could progress with aging. Most deformity progression could occur before the age of 10 years.

Cladophialophora is characterized by simple hyphomycetes with brown hyphae that give rise to branched chains of pale brown conidia and shows affinities with the Herpotrichiellaceae. A fungal strain belonging to the genus Cladophialophora was isolated from soil in Daegu, Korea. This strain produces numerous greenish to dark black lanose aerial mycelia with hair like structures. It is morphological similar to C. chaetospira, C. inabaensis, and C. multiseptata; however, the conidiophores and conidia sizes of the newly isolated strain (KNU16-032) are clearly different from them. The novelty of the strain was also confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis using the data sets of the internal transcribed spacer region of and the partial sequence of 28S ribosomal DNA region along with the cultural characteristics. Because morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain is distinct from previously known Cladophialophora species, we propose this species as a new species Cladophialophora lanosa sp. nov., and provide the detailed descriptions in this study.

On-field in situ inspection of Marssonina coronaria infected apple blotch for apple leaf specimens was demonstrated using compact backpack-type optical coherence tomography (OCT). Simultaneously, the acquired OCT results were precisely matched with a widely used agricultural plant pathogen inspection technique called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to confirm on-field applicability of the compact backpack-type OCT. Specimens were examined for 8 weeks. Automated Amplitude-scan (A-scan) depth profiling and post-processed infected tissue boundary detection from acquired OCT images were performed to investigate the increase in the internal layer gaps of the leaf specimens resulting from the disease. Clearly identifiable morphological difference between healthy and infected-suspected specimens was observed through the OCT images, which were well correlated with LAMP results. OCT-LAMP correlations and confirmed feasibility study results conclude that the compact backpack-type OCT diagnosing modality can be effective and extensively applicable for various novel agricultural discoveries.

Two fungal strains (KNU-JJ-1827 and KNU-JJ-1829) belonging to the class Dothideomycetes were discovered from Jeju Island, Korea during this investigation of soil microfungi. Strain KNU-JJ-1827 showed fewer conidial septations, larger conidiogenous cells, and smaller conidia compared to the previously identified closest species of Didymocyrtis. Strain KNU-JJ-1829 revealed the similar characteristics of the nearest certain species of the genus Parathyridaria with the production of conidiogenous cells and conidia, because no asexual morphs were detected from the closest type strain Parathyridaria rosae. The novelty of the strains was also confirmed by analyzing molecular data using internal transcribed spacer regions and 28S rDNA. The molecular phylogeny also strongly support the detailed description and illustration for each proposed species as Didymocyrtis septata sp. nov. (KNU-JJ-1827) and Parathyridaria ellipsoidea sp. nov. (KNU-JJ-1829) isolated from soil in Korea.

A bacterium in bacterial colony is a basal component of bacterial studies and is therefore of considerable importance. The morphological characteristics of a single colony have been widely used as the standard to identify diverse bacterial species. However, the conventional methods for obtaining morphological information, such as microscopic techniques, cannot provide tomographic views. This study utilizes spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to observe both external and internal structures for single colonies. OCT imaging provided a clear top (projection) and lateral (cross-sectional) images, which can identify distinct features in the fifteen different bacterial species examined. Through the acquired OCT images, the elevation type in each genus was confirmed, and the quantitative measurements for morphology including a diameter, height, and elevation angle were achieved. Moreover, the OCT raw data was used to build three-dimensional images to observe outer appearances in all direction. As a result, the averaged angles of 7.92°, 14.40°, 6.78°, and 11.92° of the genus Hymenobacter, Spirosoma, Bacillus, and Deinococcus, respectively, were calculated. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that OCT is a highly feasible, non-invasive method for the identification of bacterial species, providing detailed morphological and visual information. It thus has strong potential for applications in bacteriology, as well as biomedical and food sciences.

In this study, a new species within the genus Colletotrichum was isolated from diseased persimmon leaves collected from Sangju and Cheongdo in the Gyeongbuk province of Korea. The disease was characterized by leaf spots with a brown to gray center surrounded by a black ring with a green halo. Black acervuli with setae and numerous curved conidia were observed on the leaf spots. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combination of multiple loci, including sequences of the internal transcribed spacers, actin, beta-tubulin, chitin synthase-1, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes, revealed that the isolates were clearly distinct from other species of the Colletotrichum dematium complex, with the closest species being C. anthrisci. Cultural and morphological characteristics and pathogenicity on persimmon leaves were examined. The isolates differed from C. anthrisci in their cultural and morphological characteristics, such as the conidia and appressoria. Based on molecular phylogenetic, morphological, and cultural characteristics and pathogenicity, this fungus was demonstrated to be a new species, Colletotrichum kakivorum, and the causal agent of a leaf spot disease on persimmon in Korea.

In December 2016, stem rot symptoms were observed on Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus) plants in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk, Korea. In the early stage of the disease, several black spots appeared on the stem of infected plants. As the disease progressed, the infected stem cleaved and wilted. The causal agent was isolated from a lesion and incubated on Reasoner's 2A (R2A) agar at 25°C. Total genomic DNA was extracted for phylogenetic analysis. Based on the 16S rRNA gene analysis, the isolated strain was found to belong to the genus Pseudomonas. To identify the isolated bacterial strain at the species level, the nucleotide sequences of the gyrase B (gyrB) and RNA polymerase D (rpoD) genes were obtained and compared with the sequences in the GenBank database. As the result, the causal agent of the stem rot disease was identified as Pseudomonas marginalis. To determine the pathogenicity of the isolated bacterial strain, it was inoculated into the stem of healthy R. asiaticus plant, the inoculated plant showed a lesion with the same characteristics as the naturally infected plant. Based on these results, this is the first report of bacterial stem rot on R. asiaticus caused by P. marginalis in Korea.

A Gram-negative, motile by gliding, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated S7-3-19T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Republic of Korea, and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain S7-3-19T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae and was most closely related to Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (96.38 %), Spirosoma fluviale MSd3T (96.38 %), Spirosoma pulveris JSH5-14T (96.35 %) and Spirosoma radiotolerans DG5AT (96.24 %). Chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the classification of strain S7-3-19T within the genus Spirosoma . Summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c; 46.7 %) and C16 : 1ω5c (23.8 %) were the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids were the major polar lipids. Menaquinone with seven isoprene units was the predominant respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain S7-3-19T was 48.6 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-3-19T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma , for which the name Spirosoma horti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-3-19T (=KCTC 52728T=JCM 32131T).

Background:This study aimed to investigate the radiographic measurements associated with the progression of hallux valgus during at least 2 years of follow-up.Methods:Seventy adult patients with hallux valgus who were followed for at least 2 years and underwent weightbearing foot radiography were included. Radiographic measurements included the hallux valgus angle (HVA), hallux interphalangeal angle, intermetatarsal angle (IMA), metatarsus adductus angle, distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), tibial sesamoid position, anteroposterior (AP) talo–first metatarsal angle, and lateral talo–first metatarsal angle. Patients were divided into progressive and nonprogressive groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that significantly affected the progression of hallux valgus deformity. The correlation between change in HVA and changes in other radiographic indices during follow-up was analyzed.Results:The DMAA ( P = .027) and AP talo–first metatarsal angle ( P = .034) at initial presentation were found to be significant factors affecting the progression of hallux valgus deformity. Change in the HVA during follow-up was significantly correlated with changes in the IMA ( r = 0.423; P = .001) and DMAA ( r = 0.541; P < .001).Conclusion:The change in the HVA was found to be significantly correlated with changes in the IMA and DMAA. A future study is required to elucidate whether this correlation can be explained by the progressive instability of the first tarsometatarsal joint. We believe special attention needs to be paid to patients with pes planus and increased DMAA.Level of Evidence:Level III, comparative study.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J16-2T3AT, was isolated from beach soil on Jeju Island, South Korea. Strain 15J16-2T3AT grew at 10–37 °C (optimum growth at 25 °C) and pH 6.5–8.5 (optimum growth at pH 7). Based on 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis, the novel strain was closely related to members of the genus Spirosoma (94.8–89.9 % similarities) and formed a separate branch within the genus together with Spirosoma luteolum 16F6ET in neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 15J16-2T3AT was 47.6 mol%. The detection of menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, a fatty acid profile with summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 35.5 %), C16 : 1ω5c (26.6 %), and iso C15 : 0 (10.1 %) as the major components, phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified aminophospholipid as the major polar lipids also support the affiliation of strain 15J16-2T3AT with the genus Spirosoma . The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 15J16-2T3AT from members the genus Spirosoma . On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 15J16-2T3AT represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma , for which the name Spirosoma litoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J16-2T3AT (=KCTC 52029T=JCM 31999T)

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, curved rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated S1-2-4T, was isolated from soil in Jeollabuk-do province, Republic of Korea, and was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S1-2-4T was a member of the family Cytophagaceae and most closely related to 'Spirosoma radiotolerans' DG5A (97.2%), Spirosoma fluviale MSd3T (96.4%), and Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (96.3%). The genomic DNA G + C content of strain S1-2-4T was 49.7 mol%. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:1 ω5c, and C16:0, and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. MK-7 was the predominant respiratory quinone. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain S1-2-4T with the genus Spirosoma. DNA-DNA hybridization between strain S1-2-4T and 'Spirosoma radiotolerans' showed relatively low DNA-DNA relatedness (31%). Strain S1-2-4T could be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic neighbors based on its phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain S1-2-4T represents a novel member of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma lituiforme sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1-2-4T (= KCTC 52724T = JCM 32128T).

A novel, Gram-staining negative, yellow pigmented bacterial strain, designated 15J11-2T, was isolated from soil sample on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. The strain was subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The strain was able to grow at temperature range from 10°C to 30°C, pH 7–8, and in presence of 0–1% (w/v) NaCl. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 15J11-2T belongs to the genus Spirosoma and levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity ranged from 91.5% to 89.8%. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain 15J11-2T was 46.0 mol%. The isolate contained phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophospholipid as the main polar lipids, menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c/C16:1ω7c; 39.4%), C16:1ω5c (27.1%), and C16:0 (13.0%) as the major fatty acids, which supported the affiliation of strain 15J11-2T to the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 15J11-2T from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, chemotaxonomic features, strain 15J11-2T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J11-2T (= KCTC 52026T = JCM 31998T).

Ixodidae tick, also known as a hard tick, is one of the major vectors of various tick-borne diseases. Studying its anatomy is the fundamental approach for diverse acarological studies and the key to understanding tick morphology. However, the conventional methods of observing internal organs rely primarily on dissection, which damages specimens irrecoverably. In this study, we developed an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system to non-invasively investigate the morphological characteristics of the hard tick. Herein, OCT imaging was conducted by the developed spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) system with two different objective lenses. The developed system provides an axial resolution (in the air) of 6.2 µm and a maximum lateral resolution of 2.46 µm as an objective lens with a high numerical aperture (NA) and 10× magnification was employed. Using the developed SD-OCT system, internal organs of tick specimens, such as salivary glands, midgut, genital orifice, and ovary, were identified without inflicting damage. The study suggests the feasibility of the optical coherence imaging for the acarological study of the fundamental morphological inspection and for possible future studies, such as verifying the potential morphological differences among virus transmitted hard tick specimens.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J9-6T, was isolated from beach soil on Jeju Island, South Korea. Strain 15J9-6T, grew at 10–30°C (optimum growth at 25°C) and pH 7–8 (optimum growth at pH 7) on R2A, NA, and TSA agar. Phylogenetically, the strain was closely related to members of the genus Spirosoma (92.3–90.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities) and showed highest sequence similarity to Spirosoma panaciterrae DSM 21099T (92.3%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 15J9-6T was 45.7 mol%. The strain contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid, and an unidentified lipid as the major polar lipids; menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c; 30.1%), C16:1 ω5c (23.1%), iso C15:0 (13.3%), and C16:0 (8.4%) as the major fatty acids which supported the affiliation of strain 15J9-6T to the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 15J9-6T from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 15J9-6T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J9-6T (=KCTC 52036T =JCM 31995T)

The ionizing radiation toxicity becomes a primary concern of the world; several exceptional attention was given to the resistance mechanisms of the radiation-resistant bacteria. Hymenobacter sedentarius DG5BT strain isolated from the gamma ray-irradiated soil samples shows resistance against gamma and UV radiation; however, their level of resistance is lower than that of other radiation resistant bacteria. To gain insight of radiation resistance, we carried out the whole genome sequencing of this strain. The genome of DG5BT strain is comprised of 4,868,852 bp (G+C content of 60.96%) including 3,994 protein-coding genes and 55 RNA genes. When compared with other bacteria, there are differences in compositions and copy numbers of several genes involved in DNA repair pathways and defense mechanism against protein damages. In this study, we discuss the implication of such findings concerning other radiation resistant bacteria.

In an ongoing survey of Korean indigenous fungi, three fungal strains belonging to the Sordariomycetes were isolated from soil samples. These strains were designated KNU16-001, KNU16-002, and KNU16-009, and identified as Ambrosiella grosmanniae, Acremonium sclerotigenum, and Trichocladium asperum, respectively, based on morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer region sequences of ribosomal DNA. This is the first report of these species in Korea.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 16F3PT, was isolated from the Han River, South Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed 16F3PT to be within the genus Hymenobacter , and most closely related to Hymenobacter chitinivorans Txc1T (98.62 %) and Hymenobacter elongatus VUG-A112T (98.46 %). The phylogenetic distance from other species of the genus Hymenobacter with validly published names was greater than 4 % (i.e. sequence similarity was less than 96.0 %). Chemotaxonomic data also supported the classification of strain 16F3PT within the genus Hymenobacter . C16 : 0 (19.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 15.4 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (13.0 %) were the major fatty acids, MK-7 was the predominant respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 16F3PT was 61.9 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments showed that the values for DNA–DNA relatedness between strain 16F3PT and the phylogenetically closest neighbours were below 19 %. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 16F3PT represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter , for which the name Hymenobacter aquaticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16F3PT (=KCTC 52194T=JCM 31653T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J8-12T, was isolated from a water sample after exposure to 3 kGy of gamma radiation. The strain showed resistance to gamma radiation with a dose required to reduce the bacterial population 10 fold (D10) value of 4.7 kGy. The results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain 15J8-12T represented a member of the family Cytophagaceae , phylum Bacteroidetes , and was most closely related to ‘Spirosoma fluminis’ 15J17 (97.92 %) and Spirosoma arcticum R2-35T (92.22 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of 15J8-12T was 51.3 mol%. The detection of menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, a fatty acid profile with summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 40.5 %), C16 : 1ω5c (35.3 %), C15 : 0 iso (6.9 %) and C16 : 0 (6.8 %) as the major components and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid also supported the affiliation of 15J8-12T with the genus Spirosoma . The DNA–DNA relatedness between 15J8-12T and ‘Spirosoma fluminis’ 15J17 was 27.8 %. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, 15J8-12T should be considered to be a representative of a novel species of the genus Spirosoma , for which the name Spirosoma knui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J8-12T (=KCTC 52510T=JCM 31407T).

A gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, gamma and UV-tolerant bacterium, Hymenobacter sp. DG25A, was isolated from a soil sample collected in South Korea. The isolated strain demonstrated high level of resistance against gamma irradiation, with a D10 value of 6 kGy. The complete genome of Hymenobacter sp. DG25A was found to consist of a single chromosome (3,777,136 bp). The bacterium was isolated from a gamma ray-irradiated soil sample and was found to contain enzymes involved in the accumulation of manganese, which protects proteins from oxidation by reactive oxygen species. The genome also encodes enzymes for the nucleotide excision repair pathway, which leads to the efficient removal of double-strand breaks caused by ionizing radiation such as gamma and UV rays. An understanding of these genomic features can potentially be used in several biotechnological applications such as for the degradation of harmful contaminants or radioactive waste.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 16F3Y-2T, was isolated from the Han River, South Korea, and was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 16F3Y-2T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae in the phylum Bacteroidetes and was most closely related to ‘Hymenobacter terrae’ DG7A (98.01%), H. soli PB17T (97.26%), H. glaciei VUG-A130T (96.78%), H. antarcticus VUG-A42aaT (96.72%), H. ruber PB156T (96.61%), and H. saemangeumensis GSR0100T (95.77%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 16F3Y-2T was 62.9 mol%. The isolate contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c; 35.5%), C15:0 iso (16.9%), C16:1ω5c (10.9%), and C15:0 anteiso (9.9%) as major fatty acids. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain 16F3Y-2T with the genus Hymenobacter. However, strain 16F3Y-2T exhibited relatively low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with ‘H. terrae’ KCTC 32554 (44.1%) and H. soli KCTC 12607T (24.3%), clearly indicating that the isolate constitutes a new genospecies. Strain 16F3Y-2T could be differentiated from its phylogenetic neighbors on the basis of several phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain 16F3Y-2T represents a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16F3Y-2T (=KCTC 52537T =JCM 31654T).

Strain 16F3HT, a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, and oval-shaped bacterium, was isolated from river water collected from the Han River in South Korea. Growth of strain 16F3HT was observed at 10-42 °C (optimum at 25-30 °C), but no growth occurred at 4 °C. The strain is able to grow at pH 4-10 (optimum at pH 7-8) and tolerates up to 4% NaCl (w/v), with optimum growth at 0.5% NaCl. The isolate was found to be resistant to UV irradiation. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it is closely related to 'Deinococcus seoulensis' 16F1E (98.8%), Deinococcus aquaticus PB314T (98.1%) and Deinococcus caeni Ho-08T (98.0%). The level of DNA-DNA homology between the novel strain and the three related strains was 57.4, 41.2, and 35.8%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain 16F3HT possesses MK-8 as the predominant respiratory quinone, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid as the major polar lipid, and C15:1 ω6c and C16:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 65.7 mol%. Based on polyphasic evidence, strain 16F3HT (=KCTC 33794T = JCM 31406T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel Deinococcus species, for which the name Deinococcus knuensis sp. nov. is proposed.

In this study, the phylogeny and morphology of Mycosphaerella nawae (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) were examined using Korean and Japanese isolates, to establish the phylogenetic relationship between M. nawae and its allied species. Korean and Japanese isolates of M. nawae were collected from circular leaf spot-diseased leaves and were confirmed based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using multiple genes, including the ITS region, 28S rDNA, β-tubulin, translation elongation factor-1α, and actin genes. Our results revealed that M. nawae is closely related to members of the genus Phaeophleospora but are distant from the Ramularia spp. In addition, microscopic analysis revealed pseudothecia on the adaxial and abaxial surface of overwintered diseased leaves (ODL) and only on the abaxial surface of diseased leaves. Ascospores are oval to fusiform, one-septate, tapered at both ends, 1.7~3.1 × 8.1~14.1 µm, and were observed in ODL. Conidia are oval, guttulate, one-septate, 3.5~4.9 × 12.8~19.8 µm, and barely discernable on 30-day cultures. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the phylogeny of M. nawae, which is closely related to the genus Phaeophleospora, especially P. scytalidii.

A bacterial strain isolated from a soil collected in Jeju Island, designated as 17J7-1T, was Gram-negative, rod-shaped, yellow colored, and motile by gliding. This strain was able to grow at temperature range from 10 to 42 °C, pH 7–9, and tolerated up to 1% NaCl. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence identified strain 17J7-1T as a member of the genus Lysobacter with close sequence similarity with Lysobacter mobilis 9NM-14T (97.4%), Lysobacter xinjiangensis RCML-52T (97.0%), and Lysobacter humi FJY8T (96.9%). The genomic DNA G + C content of the isolate was 67.9 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain 17J7-1T and L. mobilis, L. humi, and L. xinjiangensis were 42.3%, 39.5%, and 35.8%, respectively, clearly showing that the isolate is distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbors in the genus Lysobacter. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNAhybridization (dDDH) values between strain 17J7-1T and L. enzymogenes ATCC 29487T, the type species of this genus, and several other close Lysobacter species were less than 77% and 22%, respectively. Major fatty acids were C16:0 iso (29.8%), summed feature 9 (C17:1 iso ω9c/C16:0 10-methyl; 20.1%), and C15:0 iso (17.7%). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. In the light of the polyphasic evidence accumulated in this study, strain 17J7-1T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Lysobacter, for which name Lysobacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17J7-1T (= KCTC 62217T = JCM 33057T).

A Gram-negative, long rod-shaped, and yellowish bacterium, designated as strain 15J17TT, was isolated from sediment of the Han River in South Korea after exposure to 3 kGy of gamma radiation. The strain was catalase- and oxidase-positive and showed resistance to gamma radiation—D10 value (i.e., the dose required to reduce the bacterial population by 10-fold) of >4 kGy. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Spirosoma and showed moderate degrees of sequence similarity with related species (90.6–93.5 %). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that the strain contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:1 ω5c, C16:0, C18:0, and C15:0 iso as the major fatty acids; phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and an unidentified polar lipid as the major polar lipids; and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major quinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of the new strain was 48.3 mol%. Based on these data, type strain 15J17TT (=KCTC 52198T = JCM 31409T) should be classified as representing a new species, for which we propose the name Spirosoma fluminis sp. nov.

Strain 16F1E(T) was isolated from a 3-kGy-irradiated sediment sample collected at Han River in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Cells of this strain were observed to be Gram-positive, pililike structure, and short rod shape, and colonies were red in color. The strain showed the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Deinococcus aquaticus PB314(T) (98.8%), Deinococcus depolymerans TDMA-24(T) (98.1%), Deinococcus caeni Ho-08(T) (98.0%), and Deinococcus grandis DSM 3963(T) (97.0%). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified this strain as a member of the genus Deinococcus (Family: Deinococcaceae). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 16F1ET was 66.9 mol%. The low levels of DNA-DNA hybridization (< 56.2%) with the species mentioned above identified strain 16F1E(T) as a novel Deinococcus species. Its oxidase and catalase activities as well as the production of acid from glucose were positive. Growth of the strain was observed at 10-37°C (optimum: 20-30°C) and pH 4-10 (optimum: pH 7-8). The cells tolerated less than 5% NaCl and had low resistance to gamma radiation (D10 < 4 kGy). Strain 16F1ET possessed the following chemotaxonomic characteristics: C16:0, C15:1 ω6c, and C16:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids; phosphoglycolipid as the predominant polar lipid; and menaquinone-8 as the predominant respiratory isoprenoid quinone. Based on the polyphasic evidence, as well as the phylogenetic, genotypic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic characterization results, strain 16F1E(T) (=KCTC 33793(T) =JCM 31404(T)) is proposed to represent the type strain of a novel species, Deinococcus seoulensis sp. nov.

which is commonly found in the mountainous areas of Korea, Japan, and northeast China. R. crataegifolius has been used as food and traditional medicine for many years in this region by its various bioactivities such as immunological and antioxidant activities (Moon et al., 2011; Ni et al., 2009; Zhang et al., 2010). According to the usefulness of R. crataegifolius, the importance of disease management of R. crataegifolius has increased in Korea (Korea Forest Service, 2015). Several pathogens that infect R. crataegifolius have been reported in Korea, including Septoria rubi, Rhizopus stolonifer, Phragmidium griseum, and Phytoplasma (Kim et al., 2009). In July 2015, stem blight symptoms were observed in a field of R. crataegifolius in Pohang, Gyeongbuk province, Korea. Early in the course of the disease, plants showed dark red spots on stems; these spots expanded to black lesions associated with stem blight (Fig. 1A). As the disease progressed, pycnidia appeared on the stem lesions (Fig. 1B). The blight eventually spread to the leaves and resulted in plant death. A fungus, the presumed causal agent, was isolated from the diseased plant and designated as PPL02. The infected part of the stem was cut into small pieces and the surface of pieces was sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 1 minute and washed three times with 70% ethanol. The surface-sterilized pieces were placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated at 25C. For isolation of a pure culture, hyphal tips of mycelia on the PDA medium were cut and transferred to fresh PDA plates. Open Access Res. Plant Dis. 22(2): 116-121 (2016) http://dx.doi.org/10.5423/RPD.2016.22.2.116

Although several molecular diagnostic techniques are available for the identification of the apple-feeding pests Grapholita molesta Busck and Grapholita dimorpha Komai, these pests are severely affecting apple orchards in Korea. These two pests may be misidentified or the available molecular diagnostic techniques may not facilitate the simultaneous identification of the morphological features of both species. In this study, we developed a multiplex assay for these two species using the polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Sixty-two specimens were collected from apples presumed infested with moth larvae and from pheromone traps from 2013 to 2014. Both species were identified morphologically, and a partial region of the cytochrome b gene was sequenced to design primers for PCR-RFLP. Digestion profiles of G. molesta and G. dimorpha, using the Sau3A1 restriction enzyme, were characterized using three DNA fragments each for G. molesta (363 bp, 91 bp and 31 bp) and G. dimorpha (220 bp, 234 bp and 31 bp). The RFLP assay developed for both species in this study was more efficient and accurate than other currently used diagnostic assays and would be helpful to identify field-collected specimens for pest control research.

cc This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Open Access Res. Plant Dis. 22(1): 44-49 (2016) http://dx.doi.org/10.5423/RPD.2016.22.1.44

The ionizing radiation toxicity becomes a major concern for the modern world, recent years, several special interest has been given to the research for the radiation resistant and the mechanisms of which the radiation resistant bacteria survive after the irradiation. In the current study, we have isolated strain DG31D was isolated from gamma ray-irradiated soil sample and showed resistant to gamma and UV radiation. The aim of this study is to understanding the radiation resistant mechanisms and their genomic features of the strain DG31D, which can be potentially used for the biotechnological application to degrade harmful soil contamination near the nuclear power stations and other radiation-affected areas. Strain DG31D showed resistant to UV and gamma radiation with D10 value of 10 kGy. The genome comprised of 4,820,793 bp with the G+C content of 51.4%. It contains the genomic features of enzymes involved in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway that protect the damaged DNA.

a b s t r a c t In this study, we report an efficient encapsulation-vitrification-dehydration protocol for cryopreservation of Chrysanthemum morifolium shoot tips. Various factors influencing cryopreservation such as explant size (1.0-2.0 mm), carbon source (0.0-0.9 M sucrose, glucose, fructose and maltose), duration of pre-culture (0-3 days), duration of treatment with loading solution (0-300 min), duration of treatment with plant vitrification solution (0-120 min with PVS2 or PVS3), and duration of air-dehydration (0-6 h) were inves- tigated. Shoot tips of 1.0 mm size that were encapsulated, and pre-cultured for 1 day in medium enriched with 0.6 M sucrose, treated with loading solution for 180 min, dehydrated with PVS3 for 60 min, and sequentially air dried for 4 h (33.0% water content) in laminar air flow cabinet prior to exposure with liquid nitrogen (LN) for 1 h was found to be the most suitable regime for cryopreservation of Chrysanthe- mum shoot tips. Under optimal conditions, the highest survival rate of 91.3%, and shoot regrowth rate of 80.3% was obtained using cultivar 'Borami'. The method developed was successfully adapted to three more cultivars, 'Secret pink', 'Yellow cap', and 'White ND' which showed a survival rate of 60.3-87.3%, and shoot regrowth rate of 55.3-70.0%. To our knowledge this could be the first report in cryopreservation combining the advantage of encapsulation-vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration. We believe that the developed protocol will be a tool to conserve Chrysanthemum germplasm. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fruit rot symptoms were observed at the end of June 2018 and early August 2019 at two different persimmon orchards in South Korea (35°40′15.1″N, 128°35′51.8″E; 36°14′25.8″N, 128°03′53.1″E). The initial symptoms included dark to dark brown sepals. Severely diseased fruits were covered with light yellow mycelium and easily dropped from the tree. The estimated average disease incidence in the orchard was about 30% in both orchards. Two fungal strains (named as KNU-CD01 and KNU-GC01) were isolated from diseased fruits and sepals, collected from Cheongdo and Gimcheon in Korea. Both fungal strains, KNU-CD01 and KNU-GC01, grew rapidly on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and malt extract agar (MEA), filling the entire Petri dish (90 mm) after 3 days at 25°C in the dark. The strain KNU-CD01 after 5 days of culture on MEA was used for description of morphological characteristics. On PDA, the colonies were yellow, and the reverse was light yellow. On MEA, the colonies were light yellow with white spots, the reverse was yellow to dark yellow, and the margin was undulate. Sporangia were globose to subglobose, yellow or brown, echinulated, lightly depressed, and 54.0 to 120.9 × 51.6 to 112.4 μm (n = 30). Sporangiospores were extremely variable in size and shape, hyaline, globose to subglobose, 4.4 to 9.3 × 2.2 to 7.2 μm (n = 50), or sometimes larger, ellipsoid to globose 6.5 to 24.2 × 6.4 to 20.3 μm (n = 50), with granular contents. According to morphological structures, KNU-CD01 was similar to Mucor inaequisporus CBS 255.36 (Santiago et al. 2013). Total genomic DNA was extracted from single-spore cultures of KNU-CD01 and KNU-GC01. It was amplified using primers ITS1/ITS4 for the ITS region and NL1/NL4 for the LSU region (O’Donnell 1993; White et al. 1990). The obtained ITS region and partial 28S rRNA gene sequence (GenBank accession nos. LC469048, LC469049, MN539629, and MN539633) showed 100% similarity to M. inaequisporus JN206179 and JN206501, respectively (Walther et al. 2013). Both fungal strains, KNU-CD01 and KNU-GC01, were deposited in the Korean Collection for Type Cultures as KCTC 56404 and KCTC 56433, respectively. A pathogenicity test was conducted using the isolate KNU-CD01 and healthy persimmon fruits. A total of 30 healthy persimmon fruits were collected from the orchard, wiped with 70% ethanol, and dried. The top of the pedicel was cut using a sterilized blade for the inoculation, and then a sporangiospore suspension containing approximately 6.7 × 10⁵ sporangiospores/ml was prepared. Paper discs wetted with 20 μl of spore suspension (double-distilled water for the negative controls) were carefully placed on the top of the pedicels of 20 fruits, so that the spore suspension could flow into the fruit. All treated fruits were kept in a plastic box (>90% relative humidity) at 25°C. At 3 days after inoculation, all spore-inoculated fruits showed rotting symptoms and were covered with mycelium and sporangia (visible as small yellow dots), whereas the 10 negative control fruits had no specific symptoms. From fruits inoculated with the spore suspension, a fungal isolate was reisolated and identified as having the same cultural and morphological characteristics as KNU-CD01. Fruit rot caused by M. inaequisporus was recorded on Artocarpus glaucus, Flacourtia inermis, Musa paradisiaca, and so on (Boedjin 1958). Especially, fruit rot on unripe persimmon caused by M. inaequisporus was only reported in Japan so far (Naganishi and Hirahara 1966). This finding can improve our understanding of the ecology of M. inaequisporus and may help to reduce premature fruit drop and the consequent economic loss.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated 9-2-1-1T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Daegu, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belongs to the family Cytophagaceae, Bacteroidetes and it is most closely related to Hymenobacter metalli A2-91T (97.8% similarity) and Hymenobacter marinus KJ035T (96.6%). Growth of strain 9-2-1-1T was observed at 4–30 °C, pH 6–8, and in the presence of 0–1.0% NaCl. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.0 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was MK-7; the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (29.3%), C16:1ω5c (15.4%), C15:0 anteiso (12.5%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c; 12.3%), and C16:0 (10.6%); and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain 9-2-1-1T with the genus Hymenobacter. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between the isolate and H. metalli and H. marinus were 31.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization result and the differentiating phenotypic properties clearly indicate that strain 9-2-1-1T is the representative of a novel species in the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter pomorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 9-2-1-1T (=KCTC 52740T = JCM 32193T).

A Gram-stain-negative, motile by gliding, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J6-3T6T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Jeju Island, South Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 15J6-3T6T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae and is related to Larkinella harenae 15J9-9T (93.9 % similarity), Larkinella arboricola Z0532T (93.6 %), Larkinella bovis M2TB15T (93.3 %), and Larkinella insperata LMG 22510T (93.3 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 15J6-3T6T was 50.6 mol%. The detection of phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified polar lipid as major polar lipids, menaquinone-7 as the predominant quinone, and C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C15 : 0, and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids also supports the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Larkinella . Based on its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, we propose that strain 15J6-3T6T should be classified in the genus Larkinella as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Larkinella knui sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J6-3T6T (=KCTC 42998T=JCM 31989T)