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Several strains were isolated from subsurface soil of the Atacama Desert and were previously assigned to the Micromonospora genus. A polyphasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic affiliation of isolates 4G51 T , 4G53, and 4G57. All the strains showed chemotaxonomic properties in line with their classification in the genus Micromonospora, including meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan, MK-9(H 4 ) as major respiratory quinone, iso-C 15:0 and iso-C 16:0 as major fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol as major polar lipids. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains 4G51 T , 4G53, and 4G57 showed the highest similarity (97.9 %) with the type strain of Micromonospora costi CS1-12 T , forming an independent branch in the phylogenetic gene tree. Their independent position was confirmed with genome phylogenies, being most closely related to the type strain of Micromonospora kangleipakensis. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses between the isolates and their closest phylogenomic neighbours confirmed that they should be assigned to a new species within the genus Micromonospora for which the name Micromonospora sicca sp. nov. (4G51 T =PCM 3031 T =LMG 30756 T ) is proposed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the position of a Streptomyces strain, isolate PRKS01-65 T , recovered from sand dune soil collected at Parangkusumo, Yogyakarta Province, Java, Indonesia. A combination of chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological properties confirmed its position in the genus of Streptomyces . Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that the isolate was most closely related to Streptomyces leeuwenhoekii C34 T (99.9 % similarity) and loosely associated with the type strains of Streptomyces chiangmaiensis (98.7 % similarity) and Streptomyces glomeratus (98.9 % similarity). Multilocus sequence analyses based on five conserved housekeeping gene alleles confirmed the close relationship between the isolate and S. leeuwenhoekii C34 T , although both strains belonged to a well-supported clade that encompassed the type strains of S. glomeratus , Streptomyces griseomycini , Streptomyces griseostramineus , Streptomyces labedae , Streptomyces lomondensis and Streptomyces spinoverrucosus . A comparison of the draft genome sequence generated for the isolate with corresponding whole genome sequences of its closest phylogenomic neighbours showed that it formed a well-separated lineage with S. leeuwenhoekii C34 T . These strains can also be distinguished using a combination of phenotypic properties and by average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization similarities of 94.3 and 56 %, values consistent with their classification in different species. Based on this wealth of data it is proposed that isolate PRKS01-65 T (=NCIMB 15211 T =CCMM B1302 T =ICEBB-03 T ) be classified as Streptomyces harenosi sp. nov. The genome of the isolate contains several biosynthetic gene clusters with the potential to produce new natural products.

Strain RA15 T was isolated from the rhizosphere of the halophyte plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in the Odiel marshes (Huelva, Spain). RA15 T cells were Gram stain-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic rods and formed cream-coloured, opaque, mucoid, viscous, convex, irregular colonies with an undulate margin. Optimal growth conditions were observed on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates supplemented with 2.5 % NaCl (w/v) at pH 7.0 and 28 °C, although it was able to grow at 4-32 °C and at pH values of 5.0-9.0. The NaCl tolerance range was from 0 to 15 %. The major respiratory quinone was Q8 but Q9 was also present. The most abundant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C 16 : 1   ω7 c and/or C 16 : 1   ω6 c ), C 17 : 1  ω 8 c and C 16 : 0 . The polar lipids profile comprised phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as the most abundant representatives. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the well-supported affiliation of strain RA15 T within the genus Pseudoalteromonas , close to the type strains of Pseudoalteromonas neustonica , Pseudoalteromonas prydzensis and Pseudoalteromonas mariniglutinosa . Results of comparative phylogenetic and phenotypic studies between strain RA15 T and its closest related species suggest that RA15 T could be a new representative of the genus Pseudoalteromonas , for which the name Pseudoalteromonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA15 T (=CECT 9079 T =LMG 29860 T ). The whole genome has 5.3 Mb and the G+C content is 40.4 mol%.

Five actinobacteria isolates, KC201 T , KC401, KC310 T , KC712 T and 6K102 T , were recovered from the Karakum Desert during an investigation of novel actinobacteria with biotechnological potential. A polyphasic approach confirmed the affiliation of the strains to the genus Nonomuraea . The strains showed chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with their classification in the genus Nonomuraea . Furthermore, these strains clearly distinguished and formed well supperted clades in phylogenetic and phylogenomic trees. Low ANI and dDDH values and distinguishing phenotypic properties between isolates KC201 T , KC310 T , KC712 T and 6K102 T showed that these strains belonged to novel Nonomuraea species, the names proposed for these taxa are Nonomuraea deserti sp. nov., Nonomuraea diastatica sp. nov., Nonomuraea longispora sp. nov. and Nonomuraea mesophila sp. nov., with the type strains KC310 T (=CGMCC 4.7331 T =DSM 102919 T =KCTC 39774 T ), KC712 T (=CGMCC 4.7334 T =DSM 102925 T =KCTC 39776), KC201 T (=CGMCC 4.7339 T =DSM 102917 T =KCTC 39781 T ) and 6K102 T (=CGMCC 4.7541 T =JCM 32916), respectively.

A Micromonospora strain, designated 5R2A7 T , isolated from a high altitude Atacama Desert soil was examined by using a polyphasic approach. Strain 5R2A7 T was found to have morphological, chemotaxonomic and cultural characteristics typical of members of the genus Micromonospora. The cell wall contains meso - and hydroxy -diaminopimelic acid, the major whole-cell sugars are glucose, ribose and xylose, the predominant menaquinones MK-10(H 4 ), MK-10(H 6 ), MK-10(H 8 ) and MK-9(H 6 ), the major polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown glycolipid, and the predominant cellular fatty acids iso -C 16 : 0 , iso -C 15 : 0 and 10-methyl C 17 : 0 . The digital genomic DNA G+C content is 72.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain 5R2A7 T was closely related to Micromonospora coriariae DSM 44875 T (99.8 %) and Micromonospora cremea CR30 T (99.7 %), and was separated readily from the latter, its closest phylogenetic neighbour, based on gyrB and multilocus sequence data, by low average nucleotide identity (92.59 %) and in silico DNA-DNA relatedness (51.7 %) values calculated from draft genome assemblies and by a range of chemotaxonomic and phenotypic properties. Consequently, strain 5R2A7 T is considered to represent a novel species of Micromonospora for which the name Micromonospora acroterricola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5R2A7 T (=LMG 30755 T =CECT 9656 T ).

Strain H2R21 T , a novel actinobacterium, isolated from a forest soil sample collected from Heybeliada, Istanbul, Turkey, and a polyphasic approach was used for characterisation of the strain. Chemotaxonomic and morphological characterisation of strain H2R21 T indicated that it belongs to the genus Nonomuraea. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity showed that the strain is closely related to Nonomuraea purpurea 1SM4-01 T (99.1%) and Nonomuraea solani CGMCC 4.7037 T (98.4%). DNA-DNA relatedness values were found to be lower than 70% between the isolate and its phylogenetic neighbours N. purpurea 1SM4-01 T , N. solani CGMCC 4.7037 T and Nonomuraea rhizophila YIM 67092 T . The whole cell hydrolysates of strain H2R21 T were found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and glucose, madurose, mannose and ribose as the cell sugars. The polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, dihydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, glycophosphatidylinositol, two glycophospholipids and two unidentified lipids. The predominant menaquinones were identified as MK-9(H 4 ) and MK-9(H 6 ). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C 16:0 , iso-C 16:0 2OH and C 17:0 10-methyl. On the basis of DNA-DNA relatedness data and some phenotypic characteristics, it is evident that strain H2R21 T can be distinguished from the closely related species in the genus Nonomuraea. Thus, it is concluded that strain H2R21 T represents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name Nonomuraea insulae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H2R21 T (= DSM 102915 T = CGMCC 4.7338 T = KCTC 39769 T ).

Innovative procedures were used to selectively isolate small numbers of Micromonospora strains from extreme hyper-arid and high altitude Atacama Desert soils. Micromonosporae were recognised on isolation plates by their ability to produce filamentous microcolonies that were strongly attached to the agar. Most of the isolates formed characteristic orange colonies that lacked aerial hyphae and turned black on spore formation, whereas those from the high altitude soil were dry, blue-green and covered by white aerial hyphae. The isolates were assigned to seven multi- and eleven single-membered groups based on BOX-PCR profiles. Representatives of the groups were assigned to either multi-membered clades that also contained marker strains or formed distinct phyletic lines in the Micromonospora 16S rRNA gene tree; many of the isolates were considered to be putatively novel species of Micromonospora. Most of the isolates from the high altitude soils showed activity against wild type strains of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens while those from the rhizosphere of Parastrephia quadrangulares and from the Lomas Bayas hyper-arid soil showed resistance to UV radiation.

An actinobacterial strain, HG29, with potent activity against pathogenic, toxigenic and phytopathogenic fungi was isolated from a Saharan soil sample of Algeria. On the basis of morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the strain was classified in the genus Streptomyces. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed a similarity level of 99.3% with Streptomyces gancidicus NBRC 15412 T . The comparison of its cultural and physiological characteristics with this species revealed significant differences. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree showed that strain HG29 forms a distinct phyletic line within the genus Streptomyces. Production of antifungal activity was investigated by following kinetics in shake broth. The highest antifungal activity was obtained after five days of fermentation, and in the dichloromethane extract. Two active compounds, NK1 and NK2, were purified by HPLC using a C18 column. Their chemical structures were identified through nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and mass spectrometry as oligomycins E and A, respectively, which have not been reported to be produced by S. gancidicus. The two bioactive compounds exhibited significant antifungal activity in vitro, showing minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values between 2 and 75μg/mL., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A novel, non-motile coccoid, Gram-positive and non-endospore forming bacterium, designated Hv14b T , was isolated from the rhizosphere of the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. It was observed to be catalase positive and oxidase negative and able to hydrolyse starch. MK-8(H2) was identified as the dominant menaquinone and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid. The 16S rRNA genes showed the highest 16S rRNA sequence identity with K. polaris DSM 14382 T , K. rosea DSM 20447 T and K. turfanensis DSM 22143 T . Based on the phenotypic and molecular features and DNA-DNA hybridization data, it is concluded that strain Hv14b T is proposed to represent a novel species in the genus Kocuria, Kocuria salina sp. nov., with the type strain Hv14b T =DSM 28714 T =CECT 9229 T .

A novel streptomycete, strain 594 T , isolated from Brazilian soil collected under cerrado (savanna) vegetation cover is described. Strain 594 T produced thermophilic chitinolytic proteases in assays containing feather meal and corn steep liquor as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. The strain produced white to grey aerial mycelium and spiral chains of spiny-surfaced spores on the aerial mycelium and did not produce diffusible pigments. The ll-isomer of diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell wall and menaquinones were predominantly MK-9(H6) (52 %) and MK-9(H8) (30 %) with 6 % MK-9(H4) and slightly less than 1 % MK-9(H2). Polar lipids present were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown phospholipid. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C14 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that it differed from described Streptomyces species. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using five housekeeping genes (atpD, gyrB, rpoB, recA and trpB) comparing Streptomyces type strains showed that the MLSA distance of strain 594 T to the most closely related species was greater than the 0.007 threshold. The in silico DNA-DNA relatedness between the genome sequence of strain 594 T and that of the phylogenetically nearest species was well below the species level recommendation. There was thus multiple evidence justifying the description of this strain as representing a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces odonnellii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 594 T (=IMPPG 594 T =DSM 41949 T =NRRL B-24891 T ).

A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic status of an Actinomadura strain isolated from the margin of a saline, alkaline lake in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Strain D310AT T was shown to have chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Actinomadura such as hooked or irregular spiral spore chains, meso-diaminopimelic acid as the major cell wall diaminopimelic acid, and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol as major polar lipids. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain D310AT T is closely, albeit loosely, associated with Actinomadura darangshiensis DLS-70 T with 97.2% sequence similarity, but was readily separated from the latter using diverse phenotypic properties. Consequently, the isolate is considered to represent a new species of Actinomadura for which the name Actinomadura alkaliterrae sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain D310AT T (=DSM 101185 T  = KCTC 39657 T ).

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated FMN22 T , was isolated from soil and characterised using a polyphasic approach. Strain FMN22 T showed high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Kribbella karoonensis Q41 T (99.3%), Kribbella shirazensis UTMC 693 T (99.0%), Kribbella aluminosa HKI 0478 T (98.9%) and Kribbella hippodromi S1.4 T (98.6%). Phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rRNA and concatenated gene (gyrB, rpoB, relA, recA and atpD) sequences showed that strain FMN22 T is closely related to the type strains of K. karoonensis DSM 17344 T , K. shirazensis UTMC 693 T , K. aluminosa HKI 0478 T , K. hippodromi S1.4 T , Kribbella jejuensis HD9 T and Kribbella solani DSA1 T . Based on concatenated gene genetic distances analysis, strain FMN22 T is distinct from all Kribbella type strains. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with closely related type strains, were found to be 59.2 ± 2.4, 54.8 ± 2.1, 16.4 ± 2.3 and 38.6 ± 2.5%, relatedness to K. karoonensis DSM 17344 T , K. shirazensis DSM 45490 T , K. aluminosa DSM 18824 T and K. jejuensis DSM 17305 T , respectively. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained LL-diaminopimelic acid, and whole cell sugars were glucose, mannose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H 4 ). The major phospholipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. Major fatty acids are anteiso-C 15:0 and iso-C 16:0 . These chemotaxonomic traits are in good agreement with those known for representatives of the genus Kribbella. A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and phenotypic properties demonstrated that strain FMN22 T can be clearly distinguished from all close phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, strain FMN22 T (=DSM 27132 T  = KCTC 29219 T ) is considered to be the type strain of a novel species of the genus Kribbella, for which the name Kribbella soli is proposed.

The taxonomic position of an actinobacterial isolate, designated strain BMG 822 T , isolated from limestone from the Amphitheater of El Jem (Coliseum Thysdrus), Tunisia, was established using a polyphasic approach. Strain BMG 822 T was found to grow well at 30 °C and pH 6.5-8.0, and to be coral-coloured, Gram-positive, catalase and oxidase negative. Whole cell hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, glucose, galactose and ribose. The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified glycophospholipid and six unidentified phospholipids. MK-9(H 4 ) was found to be the predominant menaquinone, followed by MK-9(H 2 ) and MK-9. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C 16:0 , C 18:1 ω9c, C 17:1 ω8c and iso-H-C 16:1 . The G+C content of the DNA (73.2%) is typical of the genus. High degrees of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found with the type strains of the genus Blastococcus (97.1-98.3%) followed by the type strains of Modestobacter (96.8-97.8%). Based on the above data and the phenotypic differences from the type strains of Blastococcus species, it is proposed that the isolate BMG 822 T (=DSM 46837 T =CECT 8823 T ) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species, Blastococcus colisei sp. nov.

Strain EuI1c T is the first actinobacterial endophyte isolated from Elaeagnus umbellata that was shown to be infective on members of Elaeagnaceae and Morella but lacking the ability to form effective root nodules on its hosts. The strain can be easily distinguished from strains of other Frankia species based on its inability to produce vesicles, the specialized thick-walled structures where nitrogen fixation occurs. Chemotaxonomically, strain EuI1c T contains phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two glycophospholipids and phosphatidylglycerol as phospholipids. The whole cell sugars were composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, ribose, rhamnose and fucose as diagnostic sugars of the species. Major fatty acids were iso-C 16:0 , C 17:1 ω8c and C 15:0 and C 17:0 and the predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H 6 ), MK-9(H 8 ) and MK-9(H 4 ). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain EuI1c T showed 97, 97.4 and 97.9% identity with Frankia elaeagni DSM 46783 T , Frankia casuarinae DSM 45818 T and Frankia alni DSM 45986 T , respectively. Digital DNA:DNA hybridizations with type strains of the three Frankia species with validly/effectively published names are significantly below 70%. These results warrant distinction of EuI1c T (= DSM 45817 T  = CECT 9037 T ) as the type strain of a novel species designated Frankia inefficax sp. nov.

The taxonomic position of a new Saccharothrix strain, designated MB46 T , isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, South Algeria) was established following a polyphasic approach. The novel microorganism has morphological and chemical characteristics typical of the members of the genus Saccharothrix and formed a phyletic line at the periphery of the Saccharothrix espanaensis subcluster in the 16S rRNA gene dendrograms. Results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain MB46 T shares high degrees of similarity with S. espanaensis DSM 44229 T (99.2%), Saccharothrix variisporea DSM 43911 T (98.7%) and Saccharothrix texasensis NRRL B-16134 T (98.6%). However, the new strain exhibited only 12.5-17.5% DNA relatedness to the neighbouring Saccharothrix spp. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridizations, strain MB46 T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix ghardaiensis sp. nov. (type strain MB46 T  = DSM 46886 T  = CECT 9046 T ) is proposed.

A novel strain belonging to the genus Promicromonospora, designated HM 533T, was isolated from soil in Kerman Province, Iran. It produced long and branched hyphae on ISP 2 medium that developed into a large number of irregular-shaped spores. It showed optimal growth at 25-30 °C and pH 5.0-8.0 with 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl. The peptidoglycan type of strain HM 533T was A4α l-Lys-l-Ala-d-Glu. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain HM 533T contained the sugars ribose, glucose and galactose. The main phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unknown glycolipids and an unknown phospholipid. MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2) were the predominant menaquinones. The fatty acids pattern was mainly composed of the saturated branched-chain acids anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed the highest pairwise sequence identity (99.5-97.1 %) with the members of the genus Promicromonospora. Based on phenotypic and genotypic features, strain HM 533T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Promicromonospora, for which the name Promicromonospora kermanensis is proposed with strain HM 533T (=DSM 45485T=UTMC 00533T=CECT 8709T) as the type strain.

A filamentous actinobacterium, designated strain PM3 T , was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-Abbès, Béchar (South-West Algeria). A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out to establish the status of strain PM3 T . The isolate was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomical properties associated with members of the genus Planomonospora. The new isolated microorganism developed cylindrical sporangia arranged in double parallel rows on aerial mycelium, each one containing a motile single sporangiospore. The cell wall of the strain was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates were found to contain madurose, glucose, mannose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-9(H 2 ) (69.6%). The polar lipids detected were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxyethanolamine and glucosamine-containing lipids. The major fatty acids were found to be C 17:1 ω9c (38.6%) and C 17:0 (24.2%). Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain PM3 T shared a high degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Planomonospora sphaerica DSM 44632 T (99.3%), Planomonospora parontospora subsp. parontospora DSM 43177 T (99.2%) and P. parontospora subsp. antibiotica DSM 43869 T (99.0%). DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain PM3 T and the type strains of the closely related species were between 58.4 and 70.1%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data support the conclusion that strain PM3 T represents a novel species of the genus Planomonospora, for which the name Planomonospora algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PM3 T (=DSM 46752 T  = CECT 9047 T ).

A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, catalase-positive and cytochrome c oxidase-negative bacterium, designated strain S20-107T, was isolated from alpine forest soil. Growth occurred at 0-30 °C, at pH 6-9 and in the presence of 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain S20-107T was related to the genus Nakamurella and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Nakamurella flavida DS-52T (96.1 %). Strain S20-107T showed <96.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other recognized members of the genus Nakamurella. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major whole-cell sugars were glucose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, ribose and rhamnose. The strain contained MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophospholipid as the major polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and iso-C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.5 mol%. Combined data of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses demonstrated that strain S20-107T represents a novel species of the genus Nakamurella, for which the name Nakamurella silvestris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S20-107T (=DSM 102309T=LMG 29427T).

A novel, halophilic, motile, rod-shaped, Gram-staining-negative and non-endospore forming bacterium, designated Cs25T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in a tidal flat. Strain Cs25T was observed to be catalase-negative and oxidase-positive, and to hydrolyse hypoxanthine. Growth occurred from 15 to 40 °C, at pH 7.0-10.0 and with 1-11 % (w/v) NaCl. Q-10 was identified as the dominant ubiquinone, and the major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c, C20 : 1ω7c and C18 : 0. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sulphoquinovosyldiacylglyceride, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The 16S rRNA gene showed 99.19, 98.6 and 98.59 % sequence identity with Labrenzia alba DSM 18320T, L. aggregata DSM 13394T and L. marina DSM 17023T, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and molecular features and DNA-DNA hybridization data, it is concluded that strain Cs25T represents a novel species for which the name Labrenzia salinasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Cs25T (=DSM 29163T=CECT 8816T).

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated MB27T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, South Algeria). Strain MB27T was characterized following a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This strain produced a branched and fragmented substrate mycelium, which was found to have a yellowish orange colour. A white scanty aerial mycelium was produced on most media tested. Chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies clearly demonstrated that strain MB27T belongs to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and is closely related to the genus Saccharothrix. Cell-wall hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid but not glycine, and whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose, ribose and small amounts of mannose and rhamnose. The detected phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. Mycolic acids were not detected while the predominant fatty acid was iso-branched hexadecanoate (iso-C16 : 0). The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain MB27T shairs the highest degree of similarity with Saccharothrix ecbatanensis DSM 45486T (99.8%), Saccharothrix hoggarensis DSM 45457T (99.3 %), Saccharothrix longispora DSM 43749T (98.6 %) and Saccharothrix yanglingensis DSM 45665T (98.6 %). However, it exhibited only 11-42 % DNA-DNA relatedness to the neighbouring Saccharothrixspecies. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain MB27T is shown to represent a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix isguenensis sp. nov. (type strain MB27T=DSM 46885T=CECT 9045T) is proposed.

A new strain of actinobacteria, designated ACD1, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample in the Hoggar region (Algeria). Morphological study led to this strain being classified as a member of the Actinomadura genus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain is closely related to Actinomadura sediminis DSM 45500(T) (98.5% sequence similarity). Furthermore, strain ACD1 presented a strong activity against mycotoxigenic and phytopathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus and Fusarium strains, and other pathogenic microorganisms. The kinetics of antimicrobial activity were investigated on ISP-2, Bennett and TSB media. Four solvents (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) were used for the extraction of the produced antibiotic. The highest antimicrobial activity was obtained using the butanolic extract from the ISP-2 medium after seven days of fermentation culture. The active antibiotic was purified by reverse-phase HPLC using a C18 column. The UV-visible and mass spectra were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of this antibiotic were determined against pathogenic microorganisms., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The taxonomic position of a novel actinobacterium, strain SG1 T , isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-Abbès, Béchar (south-west Algeria), was established by using a polyphasic approach. The micro-organism had morphological and chemical features that were consistent with its classification in the genus Streptosporangium. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose and glucose, but not madurose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H4). The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxymethylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxyethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C17 : 1ω8c, iso-C16 : 0, 10-methyl C17 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C17 : 0. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis supported the classification of the isolate in the genus Streptosporangium and indicated that it was related most closely to 'Streptosporangium subfuscum' DSM 46724 (99.7 % similarity), Streptosporangium pseudovulgare DSM 43181 T (98.7 %), Streptosporangium fragile DSM 43847 T (98.6 %) and Streptosporangium sandarakinum DSM 45763 T (98.5 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SG1 T formed a cluster with its closest relative 'S. subfuscum' DSM 46724. However, DNA-DNA relatedness as well as physiological and chemotaxonomical analyses showed that strain SG1 T could be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives. Therefore, it is proposed that strain SG1 T should be classified as representing a novel species in the genus Streptosporangium, for which the name Streptosporangiumbecharense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG1 T (=DSM 46887 T =CECT 8961 T ).

During our investigations of new actinobacterial taxa, a novel actinobacterial strain, designated MB20 T , was isolated from a Saharan soil sample, collected in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa province, southern Algeria). In order to reveal its taxonomic position, the novel strain was characterized following a polyphasic taxonomic approach. It was noticed that strain MB20 T produced white, branched and fragmented substrate mycelium with no aerial mycelium on most of the media tested. Chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic studies clearly demonstrated that strain MB20 T belonged to the family Pseudonocardiaceae and was closely related to the genus Actinophytocola. Cell-wall hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid but not glycine, and whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose and ribose. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Mycolic acids were not detected while the predominant fatty acid was found to be iso-branched hexadecanoate (iso-C16 : 0). The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Results of the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain MB20 T shared the highest degree of similarity with Actinophytocola gilvus DSM 45828 T (98.5 %), Actinophytocola corallina DSM 45659 T (98.0 %) and Actinophytocola timorensis DSM 45660 T (97.5 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed only 32.9 % similarity with A. timorensis, 23.7 % similarity with A. gilvus and 17.9 % similarity with A. corallina. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain MB20 T was revealed to be a representative of a novel species of the genus Actinophytocola, for which the name Actinophytocola algeriensis sp. nov. (type strain MB20 T =DSM 46746 T =CECT 8960 T ) is proposed.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated ACD12 T , was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Adrar province, southern Algeria. A polyphasic study was carried out to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Strain ACD12 T was observed to form extensively branched substrate mycelia. Aerial mycelium was absent or was weakly produced on all media tested, while spore chains were short with a hooked and irregular spiral form (2-3 turns). The dominant diaminopimelic acid isomer in the cell wall was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Glucose, ribose, galactose, mannose and madurose occured in whole-cell hydrolysates. The major phospholipid was diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H6). The fatty acid profile was characterized by the presence of C16 : 0, C17 : 0, C15 : 0, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 cis9 and iso-C16 : 0. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain ACD12 T shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Actinomadura sputi DSM 45233 T (98.3 %) and Actinomadura hallensis DSM 45043 T (97.8 %). All tree-making algorithms used also supported strain ACD12 T forming a distinct clade with its most closely related species. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization indicated only 39.8 % relatedness with A. sputi DSM 45233 T and 18.7 % relatedness with A. hallensis DSM 45043 T . The combined phenotypic and genotypic data show that the novel isolate represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura adrarensis sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain ACD12 T (=DSM 46745 T =CECT 8842 T ).

A novel, salt-dependent, non-motile, rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative and non-endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain Cs16bT, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, a halophytic plant at the Lebrija marshes (Seville, Spain). Strain Cs16bT was catalase- and oxidase-positive, and able to hydrolyse casein. Growth occurred from 15-40 °C, at pH 6.0-10.0 and with 1-6% (w/v) NaCl. Q-8 was identified as the major ubiquinone and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:1cis8, iso-C11:0 3-OH, iso-C17:0, C17:0 cyclo and iso-C11:0. The polar lipids profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unknown glycophospholipids, an unknown aminoglycophospholipid, an unknown aminophospholipid and an unknown phospholipid. The 16S rRNA gene of strain Cs16bT showed 98.1%, 97.8%, and 97.6% sequence similarity with Microbulbifer maritimus CIP 108504T, Microbulbifer taiwanensis DSM 24146T and Microbulbifer gwangyangensis JCM 17800T, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic features, it is concluded that strain Cs16bT represents a novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, for which the name Microbulbifer rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Cs16bT (=DSM 28920T=CECT 8799T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SG20T, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-isguen (Mzab), Ghardaïa province, southern Algeria. The micro-organism developed small roundish sporangia on aerial mycelium that were sessile or carried by very short sporangiophores. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars comprised glucose, ribose and mannose, but madurose was not detected. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H2). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0. The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and unknown lipids. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the novel strain resembled those of recognized members of the genus Streptosporangium. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis based on a 16S rRNA gene sequence generated from the strain identified its closest relative as Streptosporangium jomthongense BCC 53154T (98.5 % similarity), which produces single spores on aerial mycelium, but no sporangia. In hybridization experiments, the DNA-DNA relatedness values recorded between strain SG20T and S. jomthongense DSM 46822T fell well below 70 %. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain SG20T can be distinguished as representing a novel species of the genus Streptosporangium, for which the name Streptosporangium saharense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG20T ( = DSM 46743T = CECT 8840T).

During the course of a screening programme for new taxa of actinobacteria, a strain designated ACD1(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil in the Hoggar region (Algeria). The taxonomic position of this strain was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to form extensively branched, non-fragmenting substrate mycelium, and aerial mycelium with straight to flexuous, hooked and irregular spirals (1-2 turns) forming short chains of spores. The diamino acid present in the cell wall is meso-diaminopimelic acid. Galactose, glucose, madurose, mannose and ribose occur in whole-cell hydrolysates. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The major menaquinones were identified as MK-9 (H4) and MK-9 (H2). The major fatty acids were found to be C16:0, C18:1 cis9, iso-C16:0 and 10-methyl C18:0. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain belongs to the genus Actinomadura, and is closely related to Actinomadura sediminis DSM 45500(T) (98.5 % similarity) and Actinomadura cremea subsp. cremea DSM 43676(T) (98.3 % similarity). However, DNA-DNA hybridization revealed only 48.0 % relatedness with A. sediminis DSM 45500(T) and 33.2 % relatedness with A. cremea subsp. cremea DSM 43676(T). The combined phenotypic and genotypic data showed that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain ACD1(T) (= DSM 46744(T) = CECT 8841(T)).

A novel Gram-stain positive, rod-shaped, non-motile and mycolic acid containing strain, FMN18(T), isolated from soil, was characterised using a polyphasic approach. The organism showed a combination of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties that were consistent with its classification in the genus Nocardia and it formed a phyletic line in the Nocardia 16S rRNA gene tree. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid (type IV) and whole cell sugars were galactose, glucose, arabinose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4ω-cyclo). The major phospholipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. Major fatty acids are C16:0, 10-methyl C18:0 (TBSA), C18:1 cis9 and C16:1 trans9. These chemotaxonomic traits are in good agreement with those known for representatives of the genus Nocardia. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain FMN18(T) showed it to be closely related to Nocardia grenadensis GW5-5797(T) (99.2 %), Nocardia speluncae N2-11(T) (99.1 %), Nocardia jinanensis 04-5195(T) (99.0 %) and Nocardia rhamnosiphila 202GMO(T) (98.3 %). The phylogenetic analysis based on the gyrB gene sequence of strain FMN18(T) showed it to be closely related to N. rhamnosiphila 202GMO(T) (99.0 %), N. grenadensis DSM 45869(T) (96.6 %), N. jinanensis DSM 45048(T) (93.1 %), N. carnea IFM 0237(T) (89.7 %) and N. speluncae DSM 45078(T) (89.1 %). A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and phenotypic properties demonstrated that strain FMN18(T) was clearly distinguished from all closely related Nocardia species. It is proposed that the organism be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia zapadnayensis (type strain FMN18(T) = DSM 45872(T) = KCTC 29234(T)) is proposed.

A Gram-stain positive actinobacterial strain, designated KT1403(T), was isolated from a soil sample, collected from Karpaz, Magusa, Northern Cyprus, and characterised using a polyphasic approach. Morphological characteristics and chemotaxonomic data indicated that the strain belongs to the genus Phytomonospora. The cell wall of the novel strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and galactose, glucose and mannose as the major sugars in whole cell hydrolysates. The polar lipids in the cell membrane were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified glycolipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H4). The major fatty acids were found to be iso C15:0 , anteiso C15:0 and anteiso C17:0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KT1403(T) belongs to the genus Phytomonospora with a sequence similarity of 99.73 % with Phytomonospora endophytica, the type species of the genus. DNA-DNA hybridization further differentiated strain KT1403(T) from its near phylogenetic neighbour, P. endophytica DSM 45386(T) (29.0 ± 2.2 % DNA relatedness). Therefore, it is proposed that strain KT1403(T) represents a novel species of the genus Phytomonospora, for which the name Phytomonospora cypria sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KT1403(T) (=KCTC 29479(T) = DSM 46767(T)).

A novel actinomycete, designated HM 537T, was isolated from soil in Hamedan Province, Iran. Cell-wall hydrolysates of strain HM 537T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, and whole-cell hydrolysates contained ribose, glucose, galactose, rhamnose and traces of mannose. The main phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown phospholipid. MK-9(H4), an unknown MK and MK-10(H4) were the predominant menaquinones. The major fatty acids included iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 1 G and 9(?)-methyl C16 : 0. Strain HM 537T had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Saccharothrix hoggarensis DSM 45457T (99.5 %) and Saccharothrix saharensis DSM 45456T (99.0 %). DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed relatedness values of 13.8 ± 3.3 % with S. hoggarensis DSM 45457T and 16.3 ± 3.5 % with S. saharensis DSM 45456T. Based on the results of phenotypic and genotypic studies, strain HM 537T represents a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix ecbatanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HM 537T ( = DSM 45486T = UTMC 00537T = CCUG 63021T).

A novel halophilic actinobacterium strain, designated H8(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in El-Goléa, South Algeria. Strain H8(T) was identified as representing a new genus using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain H8(T) shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with 'Mzabimyces algeriensis' DSM 46680(T) (93.0 %), Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis DSM 45606(T) (91.2 %), Halopolyspora alba DSM 45976(T) (90.8 %) and Actinopolyspora mortivallis DSM 44261(T) (90.0 %). The strain was found to grow optimally at 28-35 °C, at pH 6.0-7.0, and in the presence of 15-25 % (w/v) NaCl. The substrate mycelium was observed to be well developed and fragmented in liquid medium and on solid medium. The aerial mycelium was observed to be moderately abundant and to form long chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced and ovoid or spherical spores at maturity. The cell wall of strain H8(T) was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell hydrolysates were found to mainly contain arabinose and galactose. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine, and MK-9(H4), MK-9(H2) and MK-10(H2) were found to be the predominant menaquinones. The major cellular fatty acids were determined to be anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C15:0. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain H8(T) was determined to be 71.3 mol%. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the strain represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Bounagaea algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H8(T) (=DSM 45966(T) = CECT 8470(T)).

A moderately halophilic actinomycete strain, designated AH97T, was isolated from Saharan soil in the Hoggar region (south Algeria) and was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of the genus Actinoalloteichus. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain AH97T shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Actinoalloteichus hymeniacidonis DSM 45092T (99.3 %) and Actinoalloteichus nanshanensis DSM 45655T (98.7 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed only 26.5 % relatedness with A. hymeniacidonis DSM 45092T and 28.0 % with A. nanshanensis DSM 45655T. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain AH97T represents a novel species of the genus Actinoalloteichus, for which the name Actinoalloteichus hoggarensis sp. nov. is proposed, with AH97T ( = DSM 45943T = CECT 8639T) as the type strain.

Two actinomycete strains, designated H225(T) and H137, were isolated from two soil samples collected from the arid region of Ahbas at Béni-Isguen (Mzab), located in the Algerian Sahara. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel strains should be assigned to the genus Prauserella of the family Pseudonocardiaceae , and they were therefore subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. These two strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and arabinose and galactose as major whole-cell sugars. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4), and the major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain H225(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, namely Prauserella flava DSM 45265(T), Prauserella alba DSM 44590(T), Prauserella aidingensis DSM 45266(T), Prauserella salsuginis DSM 45264(T) and Prauserella sediminis DSM 45267(T), were clearly below the 70% threshold used for species delineation. The genomic DNA G+C content of strains H225(T) and H137 was 70.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strains H225(T) and H137(T) are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Prauserella , for which the name Prauserella isguenensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H225(T) ( =DSM 46664(T) = CECT 8577(T))., (© 2015 IUMS.)

Actinomycete strain SA198(T), isolated from a Saharan soil sample of Algeria, was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics observed suggested that it was a member of the genus Saccharothrix . The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain SA198(T) was a member of the genus Saccharothrix and showed a similarity level ranging between 97.5 and 98.9% within species of the genus Saccharothrix , Saccharothrix australiensis being the most closely related. However, DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain SA198(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, the type strains of S. australiensis , Saccharothrix xinjiangensis , Saccharothrix algeriensis and Saccharothrix espanaensis , were clearly below the 70% threshold. Based upon genotypic and phenotypic differences from other members of the genus, a novel species, Saccharothrix tamanrassetensis sp. nov., is proposed, with SA198(T) ( = DSM 45947(T) = CECT 8640(T)) as the type strain., (© 2015 IUMS.)

An alkalitolerant actinomycete strain, designated B32(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Adrar province (South of Algeria), and then investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to produce short chains of spores on the dichotomous branched aerial mycelium and formed a fragmented substrate mycelium. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 0-5 % (w/v) and the optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 25-35 °C and 7.0-10.0 °C, respectively. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones of strain B32(T) were identified as MK-10 (H4) and MK-11 (H4). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain B32(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Nocardiopsis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain B32(T) is most closely related to Nocardiopsis alba DSM 43377(T) (98.7 %), Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048(T) (98.6 %), Nocardiopsis aegyptia DSM 44442(T) (98.6 %), Nocardiopsis sinuspersici HM6(T) (98.6 %) and Nocardiopsis arvandica HM7(T) (98.5 %). However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain B32(T) and the closely related type strains were 17.9, 14.6, 31.1, 27.1 and 14.1 %, respectively. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain B32(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Nocardiopsis algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B32(T) (=DSM 45462(T) = CECT 8712(T)).

A novel actinomycete strain, designated PAL84, was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-Isguen, Ghardaïa (South of Algeria). This strain was studied for its taxonomic position using a polyphasic approach and was identified as a member of the genus Actinokineospora. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain PAL84 had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with members of the genus Actinokineospora ranging from 96.2 % (Actinokineospora inagensis DSM 44258(T)) to 97.8 % (Actinokineospora baliensis NBRC 104211(T)). The strain was observed to produce pinkish-purple aerial mycelium and purplish red substrate mycelium, which fragmented readily into chains of non-motile elements. The optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 25-30 °C and 5.0-7.0, respectively. The cell-wall hydrolysate of strain PAL84 was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were identified as arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was identified as MK-9 (H4). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:1 H and iso-C16:0 2OH. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylethanolamine. The genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Actinokineospora, for which the name Actinokineospora mzabensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain PAL84(T) (=DSM 45961(T) = CECT 8578(T)).

A gamma radiation-resistant, Gram reaction-positive, aerobic and chemoorganotrophic actinobacterium, initially designated Geodermatophilus obscurus subsp. dictyosporus G-5(T), was not validly named at the time of initial publication (1968). G-5(T) formed black-colored colonies on GYM agar. The optimal growth range was 25-35 °C, at pH 6.5-9.5 and in the absence of NaCl. Chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of the isolate matched those described for members of the genus Geodermatophilus. The DNA G + C content of the strain was 75.3 mol%. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and one unspecified glycolipid; MK-9(H4) was the dominant menaquinone and galactose was detected as a diagnostic sugar. The major cellular fatty acids were branched-chain saturated acids, iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0. The 16S rRNA gene showed 94.8-98.4 % sequence identity with the members of the genus Geodermatophilus. Based on phenotypic results and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain G-5(T) is proposed to represent a novel species, Geodermatophilus dictyosporus and the type strain is G-5(T) (=DSM 43161(T) = CCUG 62970(T) = MTCC 11558(T) = ATCC 25080(T) = CBS 234.69(T) = IFO 13317(T) = KCC A-0154(T) = NBRC 13317(T)). The INSDC accession number is HF970584.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated Z1R7(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Burgazada, in the Marmara Sea (Turkey), and the strain identity was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The organism had chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Streptomyces and it formed a distinct phyletic line in the 16S rRNA gene tree, together with the type strains Streptomyces specialis GW41-1564(T) (95.76 %), Streptomyces mayteni YIM 60475(T) (95.64 %), Streptomyces hainanensis YIM 47672(T) (95.53 %), Streptomyces hoynatensis S1412(T) (95.29 %), Streptomyces avicenniae MCCC 1A01535(T) (94.74 %), Streptomyces sedi YIM 65188(T) (94.59 %) and Streptomyces zhaozhouensis NEAU-LZS-5(T) (94.68 %). Chomotaxonomic data revealed that strain Z1R7(T) possesed MK-9 (H8) as the predominant menaquinone, ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and galactose, glucose and ribose as whole cell sugars. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phoshphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol were the predominant polar lipids; iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0 were the major fatty acids, and the genomic DNA G+C content was 69.4 mol%. On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic data, it is proposed that isolate Z1R7(T) ( = KCTC 29434(T) = DSM 42126(T)) should be classified in the genus Streptomyces as Streptomyces burgazadensis sp. nov., (© 2014 IUMS.)

Three halophilic mycelium-forming actinobacteria, strains H195(T), H150 and H151, were isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Béni-isguen in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, South of Algeria) and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterisation. These strains were observed to show an aerial mycelium differentiated into coccoid spore chains and fragmented substrate mycelium. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the highest sequence similarities were to Saccharopolyspora qijiaojingensis YIM 91168(T) (92.02 % to H195(T)). Phylogenetic analyses showed that the strains H195(T), H150 and H151 represent a distinct phylogenetic lineage. The cell-wall hydrolysate was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were identified as arabinose and galactose. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C17:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine and MK-9 (H4) was found to be the predominant menaquinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain H195(T) was 68.2 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, we propose that strain H195(T) represents a novel genus and species, Mzabimyces algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family, Mzabimycetaceae fam. nov. The type strain of M. algeriensis is strain H195(T) (=DSM 46680(T) = MTCC 12101(T)).

The taxonomic position of a novel actinomycete isolated from soil in Fars Province (Iran) was determined using a polyphasic approach. Phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the isolate matched those described for members of the genus Streptomyces. On ISP2 medium, strain HM 1154(T) produced a dark cream, branched substrate mycelium and Retinaculiaperti aerial hyphae that in some images also appeared spiral and that developed into greyish-white spore chains with a smooth surface. The isolate showed optimal growth at 28 °C and pH 6-9 with 0-4% (w/v) NaCl. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid, ribose and glucose. The main phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, three unknown phospholipids and an unknown aminophospholipid; MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2) were the predominant menaquinones. The major cellular fatty acids were the branched saturated iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C15:0. Strain HM 1154(T) exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Streptomyces coerulescens DSM 40146(T) (99.4%), Streptomyces varsoviensis DSM 40346(T) (99.3%), Streptomyces youssoufiensis DSM 41920(T) (99.2%), Streptomyces abikoensis DSM 40831(T) (99.2%), Streptomyces rimosus subsp. rimosus DSM 40260(T) (99.1%), Streptomyces luteireticuli DSM 40509(T) (99.1%), Streptomyces thioluteus DSM 40027(T) (99.1%), Streptomyces blastmyceticus DSM 40029(T) (99.0%) and Streptomyces hiroshimensis DSM 40037(T) (99.0%). DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed relatedness values of 11.0-35.8% with the closest related species. Based on these results, strain HM 1154(T) is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces zagrosensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HM 1154(T) ( = DSM 42018(T) = UTMC 1154(T) = CECT 8305(T))., (© 2014 IUMS.)

A novel strain of the genus Promicromonospora, designated HM 792(T), was isolated from soil in Fars Province, Iran. On ISP 2 medium, the yellow-pigmented isolate produced long and branched hyphae that developed into a large number of irregularly shaped spores. It showed growth at 25-30 °C and pH 6.0-9.0 with 0-8 % (w/v) NaCl. Chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of the isolate matched those described for members of the genus Promicromonospora. Whole-cell hydrolysates of strain HM 792(T) contained the amino acids d-glutamic acid, l-alanine and l-lysine along with the sugars glucose and ribose. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, two unknown phospholipids, two unknown glycolipids and two unknown phosphoglycolipids, complemented by minor concentrations of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The fatty-acid pattern was composed mainly of the saturated branched-chain acids anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed the highest pairwise sequence identity (96.6-99.0 %) with the members of the genus Promicromonospora. Based on phenotypic and genotypic features, strain HM 792(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Promicromonospora, for which the name Promicromonospora iranensis sp. nov. is proposed. Strain HM 792(T) ( = DSM 45554(T) = UTMC00792(T) = CCUG 63022(T)) is the type strain., (© 2014 IUMS.)

A halophilic actinomycete strain, designated H27(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hypersaline habitat in Djelfa Province (North-Central Algeria), and then investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to produce poor aerial mycelium, which formed short chains of oval to cylindrical-shaped spores at maturity, and non fragmented substrate mycelium. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 10-15 % (w/v) and the optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 28-37 °C and 6-7, respectively. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones of strain H27(T) were identified as MK-11 (H4) and MK-10 (H6). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0, 10 methyl C17:0 and 10 methyl C16:0. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain H27(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Streptomonospora. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain H27(T) is most closely related to Streptomonospora alba DSM 44588(T) (98.8 %) and Streptomonospora flavalba DSM 45155(T) (98.7 %) whereas the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain H27(T) and the two type strains were 17.1 and 57.9 %, respectively. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain H27(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Streptomonospora algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H27(T) (=DSM 45604(T) =CCUG 63369(T) =MTCC 11563(T)).

A Gram-reaction-positive bacterial isolate, designated Tü 6233(T), with rudimentary, coral-pink vegetative mycelium that formed neither aerial mycelium nor spores, was isolated from a Brazilian soil sample. Chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of the isolate matched those described for members of the genus Geodermatophilus. Cell-wall hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and galactose as the diagnostic sugar. The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and C(17 : 1)ω8c and the predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unknown glycophospholipid and an unknown phospholipid. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 75.4 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with members of the genus Geodermatophilus was 94.2-98.7%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain Tü 6233(T) is proposed to represent a novel species, Geodermatophilus brasiliensis sp. nov., with the type strain Tü 6233(T) ( = DSM 44526(T) = CECT 8402(T))., (© 2014 IUMS.)

A Gram-negative, moderately halophilic, strictly aerobic strain, designated YIM 95345(T), was isolated from a soil sample of a hypersaline mine in Yunnan province, PR China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain YIM 95345(T) grew at 15-45 °C (optimum 30-35 °C), 3.0-23.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 10.0-11.0%, w/v) and pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism belongs to the genus Aquisalimonas and exhibited sequence similarity of 96.6% to the sole type strain Aquisalimonas asiatica CG12(T). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C18 : 1ω7c. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, three aminolipids and three unidentified phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 59.4 mol%. Based on the results of our comparative phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and physiological analyses, the new isolate is assigned to a novel species of the genus Aquisalimonas, for which the name Aquisalimonas halophila sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain YIM 95345(T) ( = DSM 25902(T) = CCTCC AB 2012043(T))., (© 2014 IUMS.)

The taxonomic positions of four novel actinomycetes isolated from soil samples, designated KT2142T, PM2084T, K236T and A4038T, were established by using a polyphasic approach. The organisms had chemical and morphological features that were consistent with their classification in the genus Pseudonocardia. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the four strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and arabinose and galactose as the diagnostic sugars (cell-wall type IV). Their predominant menaquinone was found to be MK-8(H4). The major fatty acid was iso-C16:0. 16S rRNA gene sequence data supported the classification of the isolates in the genus Pseudonocardia and showed that they formed four distinct branches within the genus. DNA-DNA relatedness studies between the isolates and their phylogenetic neighbours showed that they belonged to distinct genomic species. The four isolates were readily distinguished from one another and from the type strains of species classified in the genus Pseudonocardia based on a combination of phenotypic and genotypic properties. In conclusion, it is proposed that the four isolates be classified in four novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, for which the names Pseudonocardia cypriaca sp. nov. (type strain KT2142T=KCTC 29067T=DSM 45511T=NRRL B-24882T), Pseudonocardia hierapolitana sp. nov. (type strain PM2084T=KCTC 29068T=DSM 45671T=NRRL B-24879T), Pseudonocardia salamisensis sp. nov. (type strain K236T=KCTC 29100T=DSM 45717T) and Pseudonocardia kujensis sp. nov. (type strain A4038T=KCTC 29062T=DSM 45670T=NRRL B-24890T) are proposed.

A novel halophilic actinomycete, strain designated H53(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Chaâbet Ntissa, Béni-isguen, Ghardaïa (South of Algeria) and was characterized taxonomically by means of polyphasic approach. Optimal growth was found to occur at 30-35 °C, pH 6-7 and in the presence of 15-25% (w/v) NaCl. The strain was observed to produce abundant aerial mycelium, which formed long chains of rod-shaped spores at maturity, and well developed and fragmented substrate mycelium. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid; the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-9(H₄) and MK-9(H₆). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be iso- and anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, and cis9 iso-C17:1. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence showed that this strain formed a distinct phyletic line within the radiation of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities between strain H53(T) and other members of the genus Saccharopolyspora ranged from 92.1 to 94.3%. The DNA G+C content of strain H53(T) was 72.6%. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the strain H53(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H53(T) (=DSM 45606(T)=CCUG 63370(T)=CECT 8304(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM 77755(T), was isolated from a geothermally heated soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Cells of the strain were rod-shaped and colonies were yellow and circular. Growth occurred in 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 35-55 °C (optimum, 50 °C). The predominant menaquinone was MK-8 and the DNA G+C content was 68.9 mol%. Major fatty acids (>10 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids consisted of an uncharacterized phospholipid and four glycolipids. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM 77755(T) formed a cluster with Meiothermus chliarophilus ALT-8(T) and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to M. chliarophilus ALT-8(T) (98.23 %). DNA-DNA relatedness between YIM 77755(T) and M. chliarophilus DSM 9957(T) was 54.9±4.1 %. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics as well as genotypic data, it is proposed that strain YIM 77755(T) represents a novel species of the genus Meiothermus, named Meiothermus terrae sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 77755(T) ( = DSM 26712(T) = CCTCC AB 2012942(T)).

A halophilic actinomycete strain, designated H55(T), was isolated from Saharan soil sampled in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, southern Algeria) and was characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the characteristic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-10(H4) and MK-9(H4). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Actinopolyspora, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain H55(T) was a member of this genus. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain H55(T) and the type strains of the nearest species of the genus Actinopolyspora, Actinopolyspora erythraea and A. alba, were clearly below the 70 % threshold. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the organism represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora mzabensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H55(T) ( = DSM 45460(T) = CCUG 62965(T)).

The taxonomic position of a novel actinomycete, strain SA152(T), isolated from a sample of Algerian Saharan soil, was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain produced abundant aerial mycelium and fragmented substrate mycelium on most media tested. Chemotaxonomically and phylogenetically, the strain was related to the members of the genus Saccharothrix. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain SA152(T) shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Saccharothrix xinjiangensis NBRC 101911(T) (99.3 %) and Saccharothrix texasensis NRRL B-16134(T) (98.9 %). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies showed only 16.2 % relatedness with S. xinjiangensis DSM 44896(T) and 33.9 % relatedness with S. texasensis DSM 44231(T). Based upon genotypic and phenotypic differences from other members of the genus, a novel species, Saccharothrix saharensis sp. nov., is proposed, with SA152(T) ( = DSM 45456(T) = CCUG 60213(T)) as the type strain.

The taxonomic position of a strain isolated from soil in Shiraz, Fars province, Iran, was investigated. Strain UTMC 693(T) produced an extensively branched substrate mycelium and aerial hyphae consisting of hyphae that fragment into short to elongated rod-like elements. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolate matched those described for the genus Kribbella. Strain UTMC 693(T) showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Kribbella karoonensis DSM 17344(T) (98.3%), K. swartbergensis DSM 17345(T) (98.2%), K. hippodromi S1.4(T) (98.0%), K. aluminosa HKI 0478(T) (98.0%) and K. jejuensis HD9(T) (98.0%). DNA-DNA hybridization studies with closely related type strains showed 56.3% relatedness to K. karoonensis, 21.3% to K. swartbergensis, 39.0% to K. jejuensis and 42.0% to K. aluminosa. Thus, strain UTMC 693(T) can be considered to represent a novel Kribbella species. Strain UTMC 693(T) showed the typical morphology found among members of Kribbella, but can be differentiated easily from closely related species by genotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic results and other phenotypic markers. Based on these results, strain UTMC 693(T) ( =DSM 45490(T) =CCUG 61792(T)) is considered the type strain of a novel species of the genus Kribbella, for which the name Kribbella shirazensis sp. nov. is proposed.