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A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain 2C1-5T) was isolated from activated sludge of an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Daegu, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the closest phylogenetic relatives were the type strains of Nocardioides nitrophenolicus (98.6 % similarity), N. kongjuensis (98.5 %), N. caeni (98.4 %), N. simplex (98.3 %), N. aromaticivorans (98.1 %) and N. ginsengisoli (97.5 %); the phylogenetic distance from other species with validly published names within the genus Nocardioides was greater than 3 %. Strain 2C1-5T was characterized chemotaxonomically as having ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω6c as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 74.9 mol%. These chemotaxonomic properties and phenotypic characteristics supported the affiliation of strain 2C1-5T to the genus Nocardioides . The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 2C1-5T from existing species with validly published names. Therefore, strain 2C1-5T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides , for which the name Nocardioides daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 2C1-5T ( = JCM 17460T = KCTC 19799T).

A Gram-reaction-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic actinobacterial strain (2C6-41T) was isolated from the activated sludge from an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Daegu, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, closest phylogenetic relatives to strain 2C6-41T were Brevibacterium pityocampae DSM 21720T (97.2 %), Brevibacterium salitolerans KCTC 19616T (96.7 %), Brevibacterium album KCTC 19173T (96.2 %) and Brevibacterium samyangense KCCM 42316T (96.2 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 2C6-41T was 66.4 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data, which included MK-8(H2) as the major menaquinone; meso-diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid and alanine as cell-wall amino acids; ribose, mannose and glucose as major cell-wall sugars; and anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 as major fatty acids, supported the affiliation of strain 2C6-41T to the genus Brevibacterium . The aromatic ring cleavage enzyme catechol 1,2-dioxygenase was not detected in strain 2C6-41T, but catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was detected. The results of physiological and biochemical tests, and the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness to the closest phylogenetic relative enabled strain 2C6-41T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Brevibacterium . The isolate is therefore considered to represent a novel species in the genus Brevibacterium , for which the name Brevibacterium daeguense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2C6-41T ( = KCTC 19800T = JCM 17458T).

During screening for 4-chlorophenol-degrading micro-organisms in activated sludge from industrial wastewater treatment, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 2C6-43T, was isolated and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 2C6-43T belongs to the family Bogoriellaceae , class Actinobacteria , and is related most closely to Georgenia soli CC-NMPT-T3T (98.8 % sequence similarity), Georgenia muralis 1A-CT (97.6 %), Georgenia thermotolerans TT02-04T (96.8 %), Georgenia ruanii YIM 004T (96.6 %) and Georgenia halophila YIM 93316T (96.0 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 2C6-43T was 66.2 mol%. Sugars from whole-cell hydrolysates found in strain 2C6-43T were rhamnose, ribose and galactose. The menaquinone MK-8(H4) was detected as the predominant quinone. Polar lipid analysis of 2C6-43T revealed diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. An aromatic compound ring cleavage enzyme of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase was detected but catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was not detected in 2C6-43T. A fatty acid profile with anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0 as the major components supported the affiliation of strain 2C6-43T to the genus Georgenia . However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain 2C6-43T and the type strains of five species of the genus Georgenia ranged from 17 to 40 %, clearly showing that the isolate constitutes a new genospecies. Strain 2C6-43T could be clearly differentiated from its phylogenetic neighbours on the basis of some phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain 2C6-43T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Georgenia , for which the name Georgenia daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 2C6-43T ( = KCTC 19801T = JCM 17459T).

A novel beta-proteobacterium, designated BXN5-27(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field of Baekdu Mountain in China, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain was Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, and rod shaped. Strain BXN5-27(T) exhibited beta-glucosidase activity that was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Rb₁ (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to compound Rd. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this strain belonged to the family Comamonadaceae; it was most closely related to Ramlibacter henchirensis TMB834(T) and Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310(T) (96.4% and 96.3% similarity, respectively). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.1%. The major menaquinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C₁₆:₀, summed feature 4 (comprising C₁₆:₁ omega7c and/or iso-C₁₅:₀ 2OH), and C₁₇:₀ cyclo. Genomic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain BXN5-27(T) to the genus Ramlibacter. However, physiological and biochemical tests differentiated it phenotypically from the other established species of Ramlibacter. Therefore, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Ramlibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain being BXN5-27(T) (= DSM 23480(T) = LMG 24525(T) = KCTC 22276(T)).

A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain BX5-10T) was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field on Baekdu Mountain in Jilin district, China. The taxonomic position of this bacterium was determined in an investigation based on a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain BX5-10T was shown to belong to the family Nocardioidaceae and to be most closely related to Nocardioides plantarum NCIMB 12834T (96.5 % sequence similarity), Nocardioides dokdonensis KCTC 19309T (96.2 %) and Nocardioides fonticola NAA-13T (95.1 %). Strain BX5-10T was characterized chemotaxonomically as having ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in its cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone and C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω8c as its major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.3 mol%. The novel strain could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from all recognized species of the genus Nocardioides. Based on the results of the phylogenetic analyses and the genotypic and phenotypic data, a novel species, Nocardioides ginsengagri sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is BX5-10T ( = KCTC 19467T = DSM 21362T).

A novel gammaproteobacterium, designated LnR5-47T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Liaoning province, China. The isolate was a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming rod. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain LnR5-47T belonged to the genus Rhodanobacter. The isolate was most closely related to Rhodanobacter ginsengisoli GR17-7T, Rhodanobacter terrae GP18-1T, Dyella ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046T, Rhodanobacter soli DCY45T, Dyella soli JS12-10T and Dyella japonica IAM 15069T (98.0, 97.9, 97.7, 97.3, 97.2 and 97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Chemotaxonomic data (Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone, and iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c and iso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids) also supported the affiliation of strain LnR5-47T with the genus Rhodanobacter. However, DNA–DNA relatedness between strain LnR5-47T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was Rhodanobacter. Therefore, strain LnR5-47T represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodanobacter panaciterrae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is LnR5-47T ( = KACC 12826T = KCTC 22232T = LMG 24460T).

Two strains, designated B1-1T and B6-8T, were isolated from the Geumho River and the Dalseo Stream in Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed a clear affiliation of these two bacteria with the class Alphaproteobacteria, their closest relatives being Kaistia adipata KCTC 12095T, Kaistia granuli KCTC 12575T, Kaistia soli KACC 12605T and Kaistia terrae KACC 12910T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.3 –97.7 % to the two novel strains. Strains B1-1T and B6-8T shared a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 96.1 %. Cells of the two strains were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-motile, short rods or cocci. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0 and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo for strain B1-1T and C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 2-OH, and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo for strain B6-8T. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of the strains B1-1T and B6-8T were 61.6 and 66.5 mol%, respectively. Based on the results of this polyphasic study, strains B1-1T ( = KCTC 12849T = DSM 18799T) and B6-8T ( = KCTC 12850T = DSM 18800T) represent two novel species of the genus Kaistia, for which the names Kaistia geumhonensis sp. nov. and Kaistia dalseonensis sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.

A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, designated Gsoil 1105T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon Province in South Korea and characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate belongs to the order Bacillales, showing the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to Tumebacillus permanentifrigoris Eur1 9.5T (94.6 %). The phylogenetic distances from other described species with validly published names within the order Bacillales were greater than 9.0 %. Strain Gsoil 1105T had a genomic DNA G+C content of 55.6 mol% and menaquinone 7 (MK-7) as the major respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 1105T represents a novel species of the genus Tumebacillus, for which the name Tumebacillus ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 1105T ( = KCTC 13942T = DSM 18389T).

The Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod shaped bacterial strain designated TR6-03(T) was isolated from compost, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain TR6-03(T) grew at 4-42°C and at pH 6.0-8.0 on R2A and nutrient agar without NaCl supplement. Strain TR6-03(T) had β-glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Re (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to Rg(2). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain TR6-03(T) was shown to belong to the family Sphingobacteriaceae and to be related to Mucilaginibacter lappiensis ANJLI2(T) (96.3% sequence similarity), M. dorajii FR-f4(T) (96.1%), and M. rigui WPCB133(T) (94.1%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 45.6%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1) ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 20H), iso-C(16:0) and iso-C(17:0) 3OH. DNA and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain TR6-03(T) to the genus Mucilaginibacter. Strain TR6-03(T) could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the recognized species of the genus Mucilaginibacter. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Mucilaginibacter composti sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain TR6-03(T) (=KACC 14956(T) = KCTC 12642(T) =LMG 23497(T)).

A Gram-staining-positive, coccus-shaped, non-spore-forming, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated AC-1T, was isolated from an acidogenic fermentation bioreactor treating food wastewater. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain AC-1T was shown to belong to the genus Vagococcus. The closest phylogenetic relatives were Vagococcus elongatus PPC9T (97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Vagococcus penaei CD276T (96.7 %) and Vagococcus carniphilus ATCC BAA-640T (96.6 %). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c (24.8 %) and C16 : 0 (19.5 %) and the G+C content of genomic DNA was 44.2 mol%, which supported the affiliation of strain AC-1T to the genus Vagococcus. Strain AC-1T and V. elongatus DSM 21480T exhibited 11 % DNA–DNA relatedness. Physiological and biochemical tests differentiated strain AC-1T from the type strains of recognized species of the genus Vagococcus. Therefore, strain AC-1T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Vagococcus acidifermentans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AC-1T ( = KCTC 13418T = LMG 24798T).

A Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic, coccoid-shaped bacterium, designated BXN5-13T, was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field from Baekdu Mountain in Jilin district, China. Strain BXN5-13T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 6.5–7.5 with 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain BXN5-13T had β-glucosidase activity that was connected with ginsenoside-converting ability, so that it was able to convert ginsenoside Rb1 to ginsenoside F2. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the closest phylogenetic relatives of strain BXN5-13T were Phycicoccus aerophilus 5516T-20T (98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), P. bigeumensis MSL-03T (98.3 %), P. dokdonensis DS-8T (97.9 %) and P. jejuensis KSW2-15T (96.9 %). Lower sequence similarity (Intrasporangiaceae. The predominant quinone was MK-8(H4). The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The chemotaxonomic data and the high genomic DNA G+C content of strain BXN5-13T (70.8 mol%) supported its affiliation with the genus Phycicoccus. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain BXN5-13T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was below 16 %. Strain BXN5-13T represents a novel species within the genus Phycicoccus, for which the name Phycicoccus ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BXN5-13T (=KCTC 19419T=DSM 21006T=LMG 24462T).

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated HU1-GD12T, was isolated from freshwater sediment. The strain was characterized by using a polyphasic approach in order to determine its taxonomic position. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate constituted a distinct branch within the genus Sphingobium, showing the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to Sphingobium ummariense RL-3T (96.2 %). Strain HU1-GD12T had a genomic DNA G+C content of 66.8 mol% and Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Furthermore, the major polyamine component (spermidine) in the cytoplasm and the presence of sphingoglycolipids suggested that strain HU1-GD12T belonged to the family Sphingomonadaceae. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain HU1-GD12T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium vulgare sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HU1-GD12T (=LMG 24321T=KCTC 22289T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, strain Gsoil 1138T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon Province, South Korea, and was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 1138T was shown to belong to the family Paenibacillaceae and was most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus chondroitinus (98.2 % similarity) and Paenibacillus alginolyticus (96.5 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Gsoil 1138T and the type strains of other recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus were below 96.5 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Gsoil 1138T was 52.1±0.2 mol% (mean±sd of three determinations). Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (MK-7 as the major menaquinone and anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 as the predominant fatty acids) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 1138T to the genus Paenibacillus. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain Gsoil 1138T to be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus. Strain Gsoil 1138T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus pocheonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 1138T (=KCTC 13941T=LMG 23404T).

A novel gammaproteobacterium, designated Gsoil 3054(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. The strain was Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belonged to the genus Rhodanobacter; it was most closely related to Rhodanobacter fulvus Jip2(T) and Rhodanobacter thiooxydans LCS2(T) (97.9 and 97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Chemotaxonomic data, i.e. Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and iso-C(15 : 0), 10-methyl C(16 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) as major fatty acids, also supported classification of strain Gsoil 3054(T) in the genus Rhodanobacter. However, DNA-DNA hybridization values of Gsoil 3054(T) with R. fulvus Jip2(T) and R. thiooxydans LCS2(T) were 45 and 31 %, respectively. Moreover, physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Gsoil 3054(T) to be differentiated phenotypically from other established species of Rhodanobacter. Therefore, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodanobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is Gsoil 3054(T) (=KACC 12822(T) =DSM 21013(T) =KCTC 22231(T) =LMG 24457(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated TR6-06(T), was isolated from a compost sample in South Korea and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 degrees C and pH 6.5-7.0. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests, but negative for gelatinase and urease and for indole and H(2)S production. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain TR6-06(T) was most closely affiliated with members of the genus Pedobacter of the family Sphingobacteriaceae. Strain TR6-06(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 89.9-93.5 % to the type strains of species of the genus Pedobacter. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain TR6-06(T) was 41.9 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, C(16 : 1)omega7c and anteiso-C(15 : 0). These chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain TR6-06(T) to the genus Pedobacter. However, on the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain TR6-06(T) (=KCTC 12638(T)=LMG 23490(T)) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Pedobacter composti sp. nov. is proposed.

Although, there have been many published bacterial strains aerobically degrading the heterocyclic amine compounds, only one strain to date has been reported to degrade pyrrolidine under denitrifying conditions. In this study, denitrifying bacteria degrading pyrrolidine and piperidine were isolated from diverse geological and ecological origins through selective enrichment procedures. Based on the comparative sequence results of 16S rRNA genes, 30 heterocyclic amine-degrading isolates were grouped into ten distinct phylotypes belonging to the genera Thauera, Castellaniella, Rhizobium, or Paracoccus of the phylum Proteobacteria. The representative isolates of individual phylotypes were characterized by phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomical traits, and dissimilatory nitrite reductase gene (nirK and nirS). All isolates completely degraded pyrrolidine and piperidine under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The anaerobic degradations were coupled to nitrate reduction. A metabolic pathway for the anaerobic degradation of pyrrolidine was proposed on the basis of enzyme activities implicated in pyrrolidine metabolism from three isolates. The three key pyrrolidine-metabolizing enzymes pyrrolidine dehydrogenase, gamma-aminobutyrate/alpha-ketoglutarate aminotransferase, and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, were induced by heterocyclic amines under denitrifying conditions. They were also induced in cells grown aerobically on heterocyclic amines, suggesting that the anaerobic degradation of pyrrolidine shares the pathway with aerobic degradation.

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, K106(T), was isolated from wastewater collected from a textile dye works in Korea. Strain K106(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-7.5 and 30-37 degrees C in the presence of 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain K106(T) joined the type strain of Chelatococcus asaccharovorans with a bootstrap resampling value of 99.9%. The predominant ubiquinone of strain K106(T) was Q-10. The fatty acid profile of strain K106(T) was similar to that of C. asaccharovorans DSM 6462(T). Major polar lipids of strain K106(T) and C. asaccharovorans DSM 6462(T) were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. sym-Homospermidine, spermidine and putrescine were major polyamines. The DNA G+C content was 68.3 mol%. Strain K106(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.6% to the type strain of C. asaccharovorans. DNA-DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties, particularly differences in cell morphology and the ability to utilize nitrilotriacetate, demonstrated that strain K106(T) can be differentiated from C. asaccharovorans. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain K106(T) represents a novel species of the genus Chelatococcus, for which the name Chelatococcus daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K106(T) (=KCTC 12979(T) =CCUG 54519(T)).

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated as Ko03(T), was isolated from microbial granules, and was characterized, using a polyphasic approach, in order to determine its taxonomic position. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase, but negative for gelatinase and beta-galactosidase. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain formed a monophyletic branch towards the periphery of the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Comamonas, its closest neighbors being Comamonas koreensis KCTC 12005(T) (95.9% sequence similarity), Comamonas nitrativorans DSM 13191(T) (95.7%), and Comamonas odontotermitis LMG 23579(T) (95.7%). Strain Ko03(T) had a genomic DNA G+C content of 68.4 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C(16:1) omega7c (44.7%), C(16:0) (28.1%), C(18:1) (16.1%), and C(10:0) 3-OH (3.5%). These chemo-taxonomic results supported the affiliation of strain Ko03(T) to the genus Comamonas. However, low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain Ko03(T) from recognized Comamonas species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Ko03(T) represents a novel species of the genus Comamonas, for which the name Comamonas granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ko03(T) (=KCTC 12199(T)=NBRC 101663(T)).

Three novel strains, designated Gsoil 034T, Gsoil 060T and Jip13T, isolated from soil from a ginseng field and compost in South Korea, were characterized using a polyphasic approach to clarify their taxonomic positions. These isolates were found to be Gram-negative, aerobic and heterotrophic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these three isolates formed a cluster with the monospecific genus Olivibacter within the family Sphingobacteriaceae but were clearly separated from Olivibacter sitiensis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between these isolates and the type strain of O. sitiensis were in the range 88.5-90.1 %. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone and iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1omega7c, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids) supported the affiliation of these strains to the genus Olivibacter. However, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolates from Olivibacter species with validly published names. Therefore strains Gsoil 034T, Gsoil 060T and Jip13T represent three novel species of the genus Olivibacter, for which the names Olivibacter soli sp. nov. (type strain Gsoil 034T =KCTC 12645T =LMG 23492T), Olivibacter ginsengisoli sp. nov. (type strain Gsoil 060T =KCTC 12646T =LMG 23491T) and Olivibacter terrae sp. nov. (type strain Jip13T =KCTC 12644T =LMG 23494T) are proposed.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, red-pink bacterium, designated strain PB17T, was isolated from grass soil in the Republic of Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by means of a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PB17T belonged to the genus Hymenobacter. Sequence similarities between strain PB17T and the type strains of Hymenobacter species with validly published names ranged from 90.1 to 91.8 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids in strain PB17T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 omega 7c), C16 : 1 omega 5c and anteiso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 58.8 mol%. The results of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characterization indicated that strain PB17T can be distinguished from all known Hymenobacter species and represents a novel species, for which the name Hymenobacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PB17T (=KCTC 12607T =LMG 24240T).

A Gram-negative, chemo-organotrophic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium (designated strain Ko04T) was isolated from anaerobic granules in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor, and was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ko04T belongs to the order Rhizobiales in the Alphaproteobacteria. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Ko04T was most closely related to Kaistia adipata (97.5 %) and that sequence similarities with other species of Rhizobiales with validly published names were less than 92.5 %. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c/ω9t/ω12t, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C18 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Ko04T was 67.8 mol%. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness with K. adipata Chj404T was 15 %. The results of the genotypic analyses in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain Ko04T represents a novel species within the genus Kaistia, for which the name Kaistia granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ko04T (=KCTC 12575T=LMG 23410T).

Two bacterial strains, designated Gsoil 322T and Gsoil 328, were isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province (Republic of Korea). The strains were Gram-negative, motile, aerobic rods that showed nearly identical physiological profiles and similar chemotaxonomic profiles. The two strains were oxidase-positive but catalase-negative, reduced nitrate to nitrite and had fatty acid profiles in which C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo and C16 : 1 ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH were predominant. The DNA G+C contents of Gsoil 322T and Gsoil 328 were 66.6 and 66.7 mol%, respectively. Q-8 was observed as the major quinone. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 322T belongs to the class Betaproteobacteria and was most closely related to Methylibium petroleiphilum ATCC BAA-1232T (97.5 % sequence similarity). On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 322T (=KCTC 12591T =LMG 23394T) was classified in the genus Methylibium as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Methylibium fulvum sp. nov. is proposed.

A total of 34 Halomonas strains were isolated from saline water in Anmyeondo, Korea. Ten of these strains, considered to belong to novel species, were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The strains were Gram-negative, moderately halophilic, motile and non-spore-forming rods that contained Q-9 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1 ω7c, C16 : 0 and either summed feature 4 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C15 : 0 iso 2-OH) or C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c as the major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showed that the ten isolates formed four separate lineages in the genus Halomonas. Combined phenotypic data and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the conclusion that they represent four novel species in the genus Halomonas, for which the names Halomonas gomseomensis sp. nov. (type strain M12T=KCTC 12662T=DSM 18042T), Halomonas janggokensis sp. nov. (type strain M24T=KCTC 12663T=DSM 18043T), Halomonas salaria sp. nov. (type strain M27T=KCTC 12664T=DSM 18044T) and Halomonas denitrificans sp. nov. (type strain M29T=KCTC 12665T=DSM 18045T) are proposed.

A novel, moderately halophilic, Gram-positive coccus, designated strain S2R53-5T, was isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. The organism was strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-sporulating and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain S2R53-5T grew in the presence of 0.5–15 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.5–11.0, with optimum growth at 5 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.0. The temperature range for growth was 20.0–30.0 °C, with an optimum temperature of 30 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain S2R53-5T belongs to the family Staphylococcaceae and was most closely related to Salinicoccus roseus DSM 5351T (96.8 % gene sequence similarity), Salinicoccus hispanicus DSM 5352T (96.1 %), Salinicoccus alkaliphilus T8T (95.2 %) and Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans YKJ-101T (95.1 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 47.0 mol%, which is in the range of 46–51 mol% that is characteristic for the genus Salinicoccus. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain S2R53-5T and S. roseus DSM 5351T, S. hispanicus DSM 5352T and S. alkaliphilus KCTC 13928T were 32.2, 15.4 and 4.6 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone, MK-6; major fatty acids, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0; cell-wall murein type, Lys and Gly) and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis supported the affiliation of strain S2R53-5T with the genus Salinicoccus. The combined evidence from the low DNA–DNA relatedness, physiological, biochemical and other genotypic data indicate that strain S2R53-5T clearly represents a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus, for which the name Salinicoccus jeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2R53-5T (=KCTC 13030T=LMG 23640T).

A Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Gsoil 042T, was isolated from a soil sample of a ginseng field in Pocheon province (South Korea) and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase, but negative for gelatinase and production of indole and H2S. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 4 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH; 35.7 %), iso-C15 : 0 (24.3 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (11.6 %). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 042T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Pedobacter species. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the phylogenetically closest recognized species of the genus Pedobacter to strain Gsoil 042T included Pedobacter heparinus DSM 2366T (98.1 %), Pedobacter africanus DSM 12126T (97.8 %) and Pedobacter caeni LMG 22862T (97.2 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with other recognized species of the genus Pedobacter was less than 96.1 %. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments showed that the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain Gsoil 042T and its phylogenetically closest neighbours was less than 43 %. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 042T should be classified as representing a novel species in the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter panaciterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 042T (=KCTC 12594T=LMG 23400T).

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Gsoil 104T, was isolated from a soil sample from a ginseng field in Pocheon Province (South Korea) and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain Gsoil 104Twas shown to belong to the familySphingobacteriaceae, being related toPedobacter africanusDSM 12126T(97.0 %),Pedobacter caeniLMG 22862T(96.9 %),Pedobacter cryoconitisDSM 14825T(96.8 %) andPedobacter heparinusDSM 2366T(96.6 %). The phylogenetic distance from any otherPedobacterspecies with a validly published name was greater than 3.4 % (i.e. Tand its phylogenetically closest neighbours were below 37 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 43.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 03-OH and iso-C15 : 02-OH. These chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain Gsoil 104Tto the genusPedobacter. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 104Trepresents a novel species in the genusPedobacter, for which the namePedobacter ginsengisolisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 104T(=KCTC 12576T=LMG 23399T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic or facultative anaerobic, motile, spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Gsoil 1638T, was isolated from a soil sample of a ginseng field in Pocheon province (South Korea), and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. It grew well on nutrient agar medium, utilized a fairly narrow spectrum of carbon sources and tolerated 10% NaCl. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests but negative for the degradation of macromolecules such as casein, collagen, starch, chitin, CM-cellulose, xylan and DNA. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 50.7 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 (44%) and C16:0 (25%). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 1638T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Paenibacillus species and joined Paenibacillus anaericanus DSM 15890T with a bootstrap value of 100%. These two strains shared 99.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other. The phylogenetic distance from any other validly described species within the genus Paenibacillus was less than 96.2%. DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain Gsoil 1638T and its closest phylogenetic neighbor, Paenibacillus anaericanus, was 62%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 1638T (= KCTC 13931T = LMG 23406T = CCUG 52472T) was classified in the genus Paenibacillus as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Paenibacillus ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated TR6-04T, was isolated from compost and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 6.5–7.0. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests but negative for gelatinase, indole and H2S production. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain TR6-04T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Sphingobacterium species and clustered with Sphingobacterium mizutaii ATCC 33299T (96.7 % sequence similarity); the similarity to sequences of other species within the family Sphingobacteriaceae was less than 92.0 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.7 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c). These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain TR6-04T to the genus Sphingobacterium. However, on the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain TR6-04T (=KCTC 12579T=LMG 23402T=CCUG 52468T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium daejeonense sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium, strain Gsoil 043T, was isolated from soil from a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. The novel isolate was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 043T was shown to belong to the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’ and was related to Dyadobacter fermentans (96.7 %), Dyadobacter crusticola (96.3 %) and Dyadobacter hamtensis (95.8 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of the novel strain to other recognized species within the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’ was less than 87.0 %. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 48 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone, MK-7; major fatty acids, C16 : 1 ω7c, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 043T to the genus Dyadobacter. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Gsoil 043T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the three Dyadobacter species with validly published names. The novel isolate therefore represents a novel species for which the name Dyadobacter ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 043T (=KCTC 12589T=LMG 23409T).

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium (strain Y9T) was isolated from a contaminated culture of the phototrophic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris, and was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Y9T belonged to the order Rhizobiales in the Alphaproteobacteria. Comparison of phylogenetic data indicated that it was most closely related to Pleomorphomonas oryzae (98.5 % similarity of 16S rRNA gene sequence), and the phylogenetic distance from any other species of the order Rhizobiales with a validly published name was greater than 7.5 % (i.e. less than 92.5 % similarity). The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1, C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C18 : 0. The G+C content of genomic DNA of strain Y9T was 65.1 mol%. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain Y9T represents a novel species within the genus Pleomorphomonas, for which the name Pleomorphomonas koreensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y9T (=KCTC 12246T=NBRC 100803T)

Aims: The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize a bacterium, strain EN3, capable of using diesel oil as a major carbon and energy source, and to analyse the enhancement of diesel oil degradation by this organism using synthetic mycolic acid (2-hexyl-3-hydroxyldecanoic acid). Method and Results: An actinomycete with the ability to degrade diesel oil was isolated from oil contaminated soil and characterized. The strain had phenotypic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Rhodococcus showing a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 99·7% with Rhodococcus baikonurensis DSM 44587T. The ability of the characterized strain to degrade diesel oil at various concentrations (1000, 5000, 10 000 and 20 000 mg l−1) was determined. The effect of synthetic mycolic acid on the biodegradation of diesel oil was investigated at the 20 000 mg l−1 concentration; the surfactant was added to the flask cultures at three different concentrations (10, 50 and 100 mg l−1) and degradation followed over 7 days. Enhanced degradation was found at all three concentrations of the surfactant. In addition, the enhancement of diesel oil degradation by other surfactants was observed. Conclusions: The synthetic mycolic acid has potential for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites from both an economic and applied perspective as it can stimulate biodegradation at low concentrations. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study showed that the synthesized mycolic acid can be used for potential applications in the bioremediation industries, for example, in oil spill clean-up, diesel fuel remediation and biostimulation.

A filamentous bacterium capable of utilizing 4-methylpyridine and 4-ethylpyridine as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy was isolated from sludge. The organism, designated as strain M43, clustered most closely with members of the genus Pseudonocardia by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. During the degradation of 4-methylpyridine and 4-ethylpyridine, c. 60% of nitrogen in the pyridine ring was released as ammonia. Metabolite analyses showed that 2-hydroxy-4-methylpyridine and 2-hydroxy-4-ethylpyridine were transiently accumulated during the degradation of 4-methylpyridine and 4-ethylpyridine, respectively. Strain M43 was also able to degrade pyridine, 3,4-dimethylpyridine, 4-carboxypyridine and 2-hydroxy-4-methylpyridine. The results indicate that degradation of 4-methylpyridine and 4-ethylpyridine by strain M43 proceeded via initial hydroxylation.

A bacterial strain (designated BB4T), which has β-glucosidase activity, was isolated from soil around the roots of bamboo plants. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile and straight-rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a clear affiliation with members of the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain BB4T showed the following sequence similarities: 97·7 % to Dyella japonica XD53T, 97·1 % to Frateuria aurantia LMG 1558T, 96·2 % to Fulvimonas soli LMG 19981T, 94·3 % to Rhodanobacter lindaniclasticus RP5575T and Gammaproteobacteria’. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63·8 mol%. The major fatty acids were branched forms, especially large proportions of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, similar to the profile of the genus Dyella. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization with D. japonica XD53T and Frateuria aurantia LMG 1558T, in combination with phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, demonstrated that strain BB4T should be classified as a novel Dyella species. The name Dyella koreensis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain BB4T (=KCTC 12359T=NBRC 100831T) as the type strain.

The taxonomic positions of Lysobacter species with validly published names and a novel strain Ko07T, which was newly isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating wastewater from a brewery, were (re)estimated on the basis of results obtained by using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ko07T and all Lysobacter species with validly published names clustered together in a phylogenetic branch within the class ‘Gammaproteobacteria’. The sequence similarity of strain Ko07T to the type strains of established Lysobacter species was in the range 94·9–96·7 %. Ubiquinone Q-8 and branched fatty acids, C11 : 0 iso, C15 : 0 iso, C16 : 0 iso, iso C17 : 1 ω9c and C11 : 0 iso 3OH, predominantly appeared in strain Ko07T as well as in all type strains of the recognized Lysobacter species. The DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain Ko07T with those of recognized Lysobacter species were estimated to be 2–20 %. Despite sharing common taxonomic features in important phenotypic characteristics, such as gliding movement, long-rod shape and proteolytic activity, strain Ko07T could be distinguished from the Lysobacter species with validly published names by its low DNA–DNA hybridization value, a comparatively low DNA G+C content (63·8 mol%), substrate utilization and some physiochemical characteristics. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, it is proposed that strain Ko07T should be classified as representing a novel member of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter concretionis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ko07T (=KCTC 12205T=DSM 16239T).

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (designated strain Kw05T) was isolated from granules used in the wastewater treatment plant of a beer-brewing factory in Kwang-Ju, Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Kw05T was shown to belong to the family Flavobacteriaceae, and was most closely related to Flavobacterium limicola (96·6 %), Flavobacterium hibernum (96·3 %), Flavobacterium hydatis (96·1 %) and Flavobacterium xinjiangense (96·1 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Kw05T was 36·2 mol%, within the range of 32–37 mol% for the genus Flavobacterium. Chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone MK-6; major fatty acids iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c) supported the classification of strain Kw05T within the genus Flavobacterium. Kw05T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Kw05T (=KCTC 12201T=IAM 15099T).

A 4-chlorophenol-degrading bacterial strain, formerly designated as a strain of Comamonas testosteroni, was reclassified as a member of the genus Herbaspirillum based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain CPW301T clusters in a phylogenetic branch that contains Herbaspirillum species. 16S rDNA sequence similarity of strain CPW301T to species of the genus Herbaspirillum with validly published names is in the range 98·7–98·9 %. Despite the considerably high 16S rDNA sequence similarity, strain CPW301T could be distinguished clearly from type strains of Herbaspirillum species with validly published names by DNA–DNA relatedness values, which were T is 61·3 mol%. The predominant ubiquinone is Q-8 and the major cellular fatty acids are C16 : 0 and cyclo-C17 : 0. The strain does not fix nitrogen and is not plant-associated. It is an aerobic rod with one unipolar flagellum. On the basis of these characteristics, a novel Herbaspirillum species, Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the novel species is strain CPW301T (=KCTC 12096T=IAM 15024T).

A taxonomic study was carried out on Chj404T, a bacterial strain isolated from a soil sample collected in an industrial stream near the Chung-Ju industrial complex in Korea. The strain was a gram-negative, aerobic, short rod to coccus-shaped bacterium. It grew well on nutrient agar medium and utilized a broad spectrum of carbon sources. The G+C content of the DNA was 67.4 mol% and the major composition of ubiquinone was Q-10. The major fatty acid was C18:1. Comparative 16S rDNA studies showed a clear affiliation of this bacterium to alpha-Proteobacteria. Comparison of phylogenetic data indicated that it was most closely related to Prosthecomicrobium pneumaticum (92.7% similarity in 16S rDNA sequence). Since strain Chj404 is clearly distinct from closely related species, we propose the name Kaistia adipata gen. nov., sp. nov. for this strain Chj404T (=IAM 15023T=KCTC 12095T).

A nitrate-reducing bacterium, strain SPR2(T), was isolated from a sulphur-oxidizing, autotrophic denitrification reactor used for advanced treatment of wastewater from the lake of Sihwa, Korea. The strain was aerobic but could grow under anaerobic conditions. It was Gram-positive, exhibited rough white colonies on complex nutrient agar, produced elementary branching hyphae that fragmented into rod/coccus-like elements and showed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with classification in the genus Gordonia, i.e. meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose in whole-cell hydrolysates, N-glycolylmuramic acid in the peptidoglycan wall, unbranched saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids plus tuberculostearic acid (TBSA), mycolic acids that comprised 48-56 carbon atoms and MK-9(H(2)) as the predominant menaquinone. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain SPR2(T) showed highest similarity to Gordonia amicalis DSM 44461(T) and Gordonia hydrophobica DSM 44015(T), with values of 98.2 and 97.9 %, respectively. These values were far below 99.5 % (usually found at the intraspecies level) and they were in the range that separates species at the intrageneric level. The separate phylogenetic position of SPR2(T) was supported by differences in fatty acid and mycolic acid compositions and in carbon utilization tests that distinguished strain SPR2(T) from all known Gordonia species. Combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain SPR2(T) merits recognition as a novel species within the genus Gordonia, for which the name Gordonia sihwensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is SPR2(T) (=DSM 44576(T)=NRRL B-24155(T)).

Four denitrifying bacteria capable of degrading trimethylamine under both aerobic and denitrifying conditions were newly isolated from coastal sediments and wastewater contaminated by marine water. All strains were in alpha-Proteobacteria. Strain GP43 was classified as a member of genus Paracoccus, and strain PH32, PH34 and GRP21 were novel organisms with remote phylogenetic position from other genus alpha-Proteobacteria. Among these four strains were the halophilic strains PH32, PH34 and GRP21, which did not grow in the absence of sodium chloride in culture medium. Cells grown under denitrifying conditions possessed trimethylamine dehydrogenase while cells grown aerobically possessed two different enzymes for oxidation of trimethylamine, trimethylamine dehydrogenase and trimethylamine monooxygenase. The newly isolated strain PH32, PH34 and GRP21 may be the first halophilic bacteria to degrade trimethylamine under denitrifying conditions.

Comparative 16S rDNA studies of Nocardia type and reference strains revealed that strain DSM 43406T, identified as Nocardia vaccinii, was wrongly classified. The strain was aerobic, gram-positive and produced scarce, white, branched aerial mycelium and a beige-red substrate mycelium. The reverse side of the colonies was yellow-orange. It showed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with its classification in the genus Nocardia. The mycolic acids had chain lengths from 50 to 58 carbon atoms. The 16S rDNA sequence showed the highest similarity to Nocardia nova (97.7%) and N. vaccinii (97.6%), but the strain could be clearly separated from these species and other members of the N. vaccinii cluster by significant differences in biochemical test results and unique fatty acid and mycolic acid patterns. These data led to the conclusion that the isolate represents a novel species within the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia pseudovaccinii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain AR 368,38366-20T (= DSM 43406T = NRRL B-24154T).

A bacterial strain, LE31T, which is capable of degrading 3-ethylpyridine and 3-methylpyridine, was isolated from an industrial wastewater and was taxonomically studied by using a polyphasic approach. Strain LE31T was identified as a member of the genus Gordonia on the basis of chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic inference-based 16S rDNA sequence. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose (wall chemotype IV). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H2). The mycolic acids contained 47-55 carbon atoms. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1 omega9c, 10-methyl-C18:0 (TBSA). The G+C content of DNA was 67 mol%. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain LE31T was most similar to that of the type strain of Gordonia rubropertincta. The differences in some phenotypic characteristics and the genetic distinctiveness distinguish strain LE31T from the Gordonia species described previously. Therefore it is proposed that strain LE31T should be placed in the genus Gordonia as a new species. The name Gordonia nitida is proposed for strain LE31T. The type strain of the new species is strain LE31T (= KCTC 0605BPT = KCCM 80004T).

A p-nitrophenol-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from industrial wastewater. This strain (NSP41T) was identified as a member of the genus Nocardioides from chemotaxonomic characterizations and phylogenetic inference based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The G + C content is 71.4 mol%. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan is LL-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone is MK-8(H4). The cellular fatty acid profile is similar to those of Nocardioides species. 16S rDNA sequence analysis show that strain NSP41T is the most related to Nocardioides simplex strains with a level of nucleotide similarity of 98.6%. The levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain NSP41T and other Nocardioides species ranged from 93.8 to 95.1%. This organism is distinguishable from some other Nocardioides species as well as N. simplex strains by DNA-DNA relatedness data. This organism is different from N. simplex strains in some phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, on the basis of the data presented, a new species of the genus Nocardioides, Nocardioides nitrophenolicus, is proposed. The type strain of the new species is strain NSP41T (= KCTC 0457BPT).

An alkaliphilic, endospore-forming bacterium isolated from Brazilian soil was taxonomically studied and is proposed as a new Paenibacillus species. This organism (strain 324T) was particularly distinguishable from other Paenibacillus species by its ability to grow optimally at pH 10 and 40 degrees C. The DNA G+C content was 5.0 mol%. The diamine acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. MK-7 was the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C15:0 was the major fatty acid. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain 324T and other Paenibacillus species were 90.6-95.9%. Phylogenetically, strain 324T formed an evolutionary lineage distinct from other species within the evolutionary radiation encompassing the genus Paenibacillus. Based on phenotyic and chemotaxonomic properties, and phylogenetic inference, it is proposed that strain 324T should be placed in the genus Paenibacillus as a new species is strain 324T should be placed in the genus Paenibacilus as a new species, Paenibacillus campinasensis. This type strain of the new species is strain 325T (= KCTC 0364BP).

The 16S-23S internally transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were analysed to clarify inter- and intraspecific relationships among strains of the genus Nocardioides and the relationship between two Aeromicrobium species. The 16S-23S ITS regions from 33 Nocardioides strains, two Aeromicrobium species and Terrabacter tumescens were sequenced directly after polymerase chain reaction (PCR0 amplification and gamma exonuclease treatment. The genomes of some Nocardioides strains included two types of 16S-23S ITS sequences. The sizes of the 16S-23S ITS sequences of Nocardioides strains ranged from 328 to 539 bp. The 16S-23S ITS sequences of Aeromicrobium erythreum NSP37T, Aeromicrobium fastidiosum NSP38T and T. tumescens NSP39T were 349, 355 and 386 bp long, respectively. Nucleotide similarity among 16S-23S ITS sequences of Nocardioides albus strains and of Nocardioides simplex strains was 84.1-100% and 97.7-100%, respectively. The 16S-23S ITS sequence of Nocardioides luteus was identical to that of 'Nocardioides fulvus' NSP32T and was only 1 bp different from that of 'Nocardioides flavus' strains. However, the 16S-23S ITS sequences of 'N. fulvus' NSP33 showed only a low degree of similarity to 'N. fulvus' NSP32T (54.8%). The degree of 16S-23S ITS similarity between N. luteus NSP20T and N. ablus strains ranged from 85 to 93%. The mean nucleotide similarity values between the type strains of validly described Nocardioides species were highly divergent at 68:1 +/- 16.8%. The two Aeromicrobium species showed a level of 16S-23S ITS similarity of 71.2%. In this study, 16S-23S ITS sequences of the members of the genera Nocardioides and Aeromicrobium were useful for inferring the relationships between closely related strains and species. However, they were not found to be appropriate for elucidating the phylogenetic relationships between distantly related organisms at the genus level.

Nearly complete sequences of 16S rRNA genes of representative strains of the genus Saccharomonospora were determined following the isolation and cloning of the amplified genes. The sequences were aligned with those of representatives of the family Pseudonocardiaceae, and a phylogenetic tree was inferred by the neighbor-joining method. The genus Saccharomonospora formed a distinct clade within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the family Pseudonocardiaceae. The average nucleotide similarity value found between the type strains of the four validly described Saccharomonospora species was 97.5% +/- 1.0%. The most distant relationship was found between Saccharomonospora azurea and Saccharomonospora viridis K73 (96.3% similarity). In contrast, Saccharomonospora azurea K161 and "Saccharomonospora caesia" K163 had identical 16S rRNA gene sequences. The nucleotide sequence data suggest that the genus Saccharomonospora contains several new centers of variation.

Biotransformation of ginsenosides was examined using lactic acid bacteria isolated from several kinds of kimchi. A Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and rod-shaped lactic acid bacterial strain, designated EMML 3041(T), was determined to have ginsenoside-converting activity and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain EMML 3041(T) displayed β-glucosidase activity that was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Rb1 (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to F2 via gypenoside XVII, ginsenoside Rb2 to compound Y via compound O, ginsenoside Rc to compound Mc via compound Mc1, and ginsenoside Rd to ginsenoside F2. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain EMML 3041(T) was shown to belong to the genus Lactobacillus and is closely related to Lactobacillus versmoldensis KU-3(T) (98.3 % sequence similarity). Polyphasic taxonomy study confirmed that the strain EMML 3041(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Lactobacillus ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with EMML 3041(T) (=KACC 14527(T) = JCM 16719(T)) as the type strain.

Two novel bacteria, designated strains Gsoil 634T and Dae 20T, were isolated in South Korea from soil of a ginseng field and freshwater sediment, respectively and were characterized by a polyphasic approach to clarify their taxonomic positions. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that, although they probably represented two distinct species (indicated by a sequence similarity of 96.6 %), both strain Gsoil 634T and strain Dae 20T belonged to the genus Sphingomonas and were most closely related to ‘Sphingomonas humi’ PB323 (97.8 % and 96.7 % sequence similarity, respectively), Sphingomonas kaistensis PB56T (96.8 % and 96.7 %), Sphingomonas astaxanthinifaciens TDMA-17T (96.6 % and 95.4 %) and Sphingomonas jaspsi TDMA-16T (95.6 % and 95.8 %). For both novel strains, the major ubiquinone was Q-10, the major polyamine was homospermidine, the major cellular fatty acids included summed feature 7 (C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 1ω9t and/or C18 : 1ω12t), C17 : 1ω6c and C16 : 0, and the polar lipids included sphingoglycolipid. These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of both strains to the genus Sphingomonas . However, the DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain Gsoil 634T and ‘Sphingomonas humi’ PB323T was 31 %. Moreover, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the phenotypic differentiation of strains Gsoil 634T and Dae 20T from established members of the genus Sphingomonas . Based on these data, the two isolates represent two novel species in the genus Sphingomonas , for which the names Sphingomonas ginsengisoli sp. nov. (type strain Gsoil 634T = KCTC 12630T = DSM 18094T = LMG 23739T) and Sphingomonas sediminicola sp. nov. (type strain Dae 20T = KCTC 12629T = DSM 18106T = LMG 23592T) are proposed.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain T7-07T, was isolated from compost in Daejeon, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain T7-07T had 99.0 % gene sequence similarity with Arenimonas malthae KACC 14618T and 94.7–95.9 % with other recognized species of the genus Arenimonas . Cells formed creamy white to yellowish colonies on R2A agar and contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone, C15 : 0 iso, C16 : 0 iso, C17 : 1 iso ω9c and C11 : 0 iso 3-OH as the major fatty acids, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine and an unknown aminolipid as the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain T7-07T was 68.3 mol%. DNA–DNA reassociation experiments between T7-07T and Arenimonas malthae KACC 14618T resulted in a mean relatedness value of 22.2 %. Combined genotypic and phenotypic data supported the conclusion that the strain T7-07T represents a novel species, for which the name Arenimonas daejeonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T7-07T ( = KCTC 12667T = DSM 18060T).

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, xylanolytic, spore-forming bacterium, strain GTH-3T, was isolated from a tidal flat adjacent to Ganghwa Island, Republic of Korea, and was characterized to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain GTH-3T was shown to belong to the family Paenibacillaceae , being most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus ginsengisoli (94.9 %), Paenibacillus anaericanus (94.8 %), Paenibacillus urinalis (94.4 %), Paenibacillus cookii (94.2 %), Paenibacillus alvei (94.1 %) and Paenibacillus chibensis (94.0 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain GTH-3T was 45.9±0.2 mol% (mean±sd). The major menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain GTH-3T to the genus Paenibacillus . The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain GTH-3T to be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus . Strain GTH-3T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GTH-3T ( = DSM 23491T = LMG 25635T).

A Gram-reaction-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic rod, designated BXN5-15T, was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field on Baekdu Mountain in China. Strain BXN5-15T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 6.0–7.0 in the absence of NaCl on R2A agar. Strain BXN5-15T displayed β-glucosidase activity, which allowed it to transform ginsenoside Rb1 (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) via Rd to minor ginsenoside F2. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain BXN5-15T was shown to belong to the genus Solirubrobacter. The closest phylogenetic relatives were Solirubrobacter soli Gsoil 355T (98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Solirubrobacter pauli B33D1T (96.4 %). Lower sequence similarities (Solirubrobacterales. The predominant quinone was MK-7(H4). The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C18 : 1ω9c, iso-C16 : 0 and C18 : 3ω6,9,12c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.6 mol%. DNA−DNA relatedness between strain BXN5-15T and S. soli KCTC 12628T was 23.3 %. On the basis of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain BXN5-15T represents a novel species within the genus Solirubrobacter, for which the name Solirubrobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BXN5-15T ( = KACC 20671T = LMG 24459T).