Search

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, pink-pigmented, coccus bacterium, designated CPCC 101081 T , was isolated from a gravel soil sample collected from Badain Jara desert, PR China. Growth of the isolate occurred at 10-37 °C and pH 5.0-8.0, with optimal growth at 28-32 °C and pH 7.0, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7 c /C 18:1 ω6 c ), summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω6 c /C 16:1 ω7 c ) and C 18:1 2-OH. Q-10 was detected as the main respiratory quinone. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified phospholipid, an amino-containing lipid and an unidentified glycophospholipid were examined in the polar lipids extraction. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison of strain CPCC 101081 T with the available sequences in the GenBank database showed that the isolate was closely related to members of the genus Rosenomonas , with the highest similarity to Roseomonas rosea DSM 14916 T (97.4 %). In the phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and the core genomes, strain CPCC 101081 T was included within the clade of the genus Roseomonas , representing a species level, with the closest neighbor of R. rosea DSM 14916 T . The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.7 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CPCC 101081 T and the related type strains of the genus Roseomonas were all far lower than the cut-off values for definition species. On the basis of above phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain CPCC 101081 T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Roseomonas with the name Roseomonas harenae sp. nov. strain CPCC 101081 T (=KCTC 62852 T =NBRC 113512 T ) is the type strain of the species.

The taxonomic position of an actinobacterium isolated from a desert soil sample collected from Badain Jaran Desert, designated as CPCC 204711 T , was established using a polyphasic approach. Cells of the isolate were Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-motile cocci. Good growth was observed at 28 °C (range 20-40 °C), pH 7.0 (range pH 6.0-8.0) and 0-1 % NaCl concentration (range 0-5 %, w/v). Galactose, arabinose and ribose were detected as the sugar compositions in the whole cell hydrolysates. The peptidoglycan type was A3gamma (ll-Dpm-Gly). MK-9(H4) was detected as the predominant menaquinone, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, several unidentified glycolipids, and one unidentified amino-glycolipid were detected as the major polar lipids. The predominant fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 73.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CPCC 204711 T affiliated to the family Propionibacteriaceae, in which the strain formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage next to the genus Mariniluteicoccus, with the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.0 % to Mariniluteicoccus endophyticus YIM 2617 T . Both phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics supported that strain CPCC 204711 T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Propionibacteriaceae, for which the name Desertihabitans aurantiacus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with CPCC 204711 T (=KCTC 39977 T =DSM 105431 T ) as the type strain.

The taxonomic position of an actinobacterium, designated CPCC 204380 T , which was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample of the plant Calligonum mongolicum collected from Xinjiang Province, China, was established using a polyphasic approach. Vegetative hyphae developed well and globose bodies formed from aged hyphae. Spore chains that differentiated from the vegetative hyphae contained non-motile rod-shaped spores. The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and 3-hydroxydiaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acids. The acyl type of the peptidoglycan was glycolyl. Glucose, mannose, ribose and xylose were detected in whole-cell hydrolysates. The predominant menaquinone was MK-10(H8), followed by MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H4). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω9c. The genomic G+C content was 64.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CPCC 204380 T should be placed in the family Micromonosporaceae, in which it formed a distinct lineage next to the genera Rhizocola, Catellatospora, Catelliglobosispora, Hamadaea and Allocatelliglobosispora. It shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Rhizocola hellebori K12-0602 T (96.1 %), Catellatospora chokoriensis 2-25/1 T (95.9 %), Catelliglobosispora koreensis DSM 44566 T (95.9 %), Hamadaea tsunoensis DSM 44101 T (95.3 %) and Allocatelliglobosispora scoriae Sco-B14 T (94.2 %), and less than 94.0 % sequence similarity with other validly described species. The combination of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics supported the proposal of strain CPCC 204380 T as representing a novel species of a new genus in the family Micromonosporaceae, for which the name Allorhizocola rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. CPCC 204380 T (=DSM 102292 T =KCTC 39746 T ) is the type strain of the type species.

A novel bacterial strain, designed Q4-3 T , was isolated from a soil sample obtained from Qilian grassland, Qinghai, China. Phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular analyses were performed on the new isolate. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, spore-forming, motile rods with peritrichous flagella. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed strain Q4-3 T in the genus Paenibacillus, and its closest relatives were Paenibacillus odorifer JCM 21743 T , Paenibacillus typhae DSM 25190 T , Paenibacillus borealis DSM 13188 T and Paenibacillus etheri DSM 29760 T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.12, 97.89, 97.63 and 97.6 %, respectively. The isolate grew at 4-37 °C (optimum 28-30 °C), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum pH 7.5) and with 0-3 %(w/v) NaCl (optimum 1 %). The DNA of strain Q4-3 T was determined to be 48.6 mol%. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7 and the diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was found to be meso-diaminopimelic acid. Anteiso-C15 : 0 (55.5 %), iso-C16 : 0 (14.5 %) and C16 : 0 (13.3 %) were the major fatty acids. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminophospholipids and one unidentified lipid. Based on these results, strain Q4-3 T is considered to represent a novel of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillusalbidus nov. is proposed. The type strain is Q4-3 T (=CGMCC 1.16134 T =KCTC 33911 T ).

A novel actinomycete strain, designated strain KLBMP S0027T, was isolated from a coastal soil collected from the coastal region of Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, in east China, and was studied in detail for its taxonomic position. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that this strain belonged to the genus Nocardia and was most closely related to Nocardia harenae WS-26T (98.5 %), Nocardiaasiatica NBRC 100129T (98.5 %), Nocardiaabscessus NBRC 100374T (98.2 %), Nocardia brasiliensis NBRC 14402T (98.2 %) and Nocardiacyriacigeorgica NBRC 100375T (98 %), respectively. The strain showed a combination of chemotaxonomic and morphological properties typical of the genus Nocardia. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid (type IV), and whole-cell sugars were arabinose, galactose, glucose and ribose. Strain KLBMP S0027T contained MK-8(H4ω-cycl) as the predominant menaquinone; C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C18 : 0 10-methyl (TBSA) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) were the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, one unknown glycolipid and two unknown lipids. Mycolic acids were detected. The G+C content of the DNA was 70.5 %. However, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic data demonstrated that strain KLBMP S0027T could be clearly distinguished from the type strain of the most closely related species, N. harenae WS-26T. On the basis of the data presented from a polyphasic study, it was evident that this strain should be assigned to a novel species of the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia jiangsuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KLBMP S0027T (=CGMCC 4.7330T=KCTC 39691T).

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

An actinobacterium, designated strain CPCC 203993T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample collected from Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, and was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and non-endospore-forming cocci. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison of strain CPCC 203993T with members of the genus Microlunatus yielded 93.9 % to 97.8 % similarities. In the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CPCC 203993T was affiliated to the clade of the genus Microlunatus next to Microlunatus parietis DSM 22083T, while the DNA-DNA hybridization value of 31.5 % (±1.8 %) between strain CPCC 203993T and Microlunatus. parietis DSM 22083T was far below 70 %. This result indicated that strain CPCC 203993T represented a different genomic species from M. parietis. Chemotaxonomically, the strain contained ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, MK-9(H4) as the only menaquinone, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, three unidentified glycolipids and one unidentified phospholipid in the polar lipids extracts, and anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids, without mycolic acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 64.04 mol%. The above evidence from the polyphasic study merit the recognition of strain CPCC 203993T as a representative of a novel species of the genus Microlunatus, for which Microlunatus nigridraconis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CPCC 203993T (=DSM 29529T=NBRC 110715T=KCTC 29689T).

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

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

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

A pink, Gram-stain-negative, motile, halotolerant bacterium with subpolar flagellum, designated strain BH87090T, was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from the south-west coastal area of South Korea (125° 58' 58.08″ E 34° 45' 37.32″ N). The isolate formed opaque pink to red colonies on marine agar plates at 30 °C. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and one unidentified phospholipid. The sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major cellular fatty acids were C18:1ω7c, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C16:0 and 11-methyl C18:1ω7c. The genomic DNA G+C content was 61.8 mol%. These chemotaxonomic characteristics were all consistent with specific properties of the genus Roseivivax. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate affiliated to the cluster with members of the genus Roseivivax in the Roseobacter clade, which suggested that the strain belonged to the genus Roseivivax. However, the low 16S rRNA gene similarities (93.5-95.3%) of strain BH87090T with all the members of the genus Roseivivax indicated that it represented a novel species of the genus Roseivivax. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain BH87090T should be classified as a novel species of the genus Roseivivax. The name Roseivivax roseus sp. nov. is proposed, with strain BH87090T (=DSM 23042T=KCTC 22650T) as the type strain.

Two yeast strains isolated from soil crusts in the Shapotou region of Tengger Desert (north-western China) were grouped in the genus Kurtzmanomyces based on morphological characteristics. rRNA gene sequence analyses (including the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region) indicated that these two strains represented a novel species of the genus Kurtzmanomyces, for which the name Kurtzmanomyces shapotouensis sp. nov. is proposed (type strain: CPCC 300020(T) = DSM 26579(T) = CBS 12707(T)). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 804959.

A novel alphaproteobacterial strain, designated CPCC 100156(T), was isolated from a forest soil sample collected from Hainan Island, South China, and subjected to taxonomic investigation using a polyphasic approach. The pink- to rosy-coloured colonies on TSA and YM agar were smooth and moist. Good growth occurred at 28-32 °C and at pH 7.0-7.5. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-9. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine (PC), hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine (OH-PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and two unidentified aminolipids (AL1, AL2), with a minor amount of ninhydrin-positive phosphoglycolipid. (NPG). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C(18:1)ω7c /C(18:1)ω6c) (49.5%), summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c/C(16:1)ω6c) (22.5%), and C(16:0) (14.0%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.3 mol%. The organism showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.37% with Belnapia moabensis DSM 16746(T). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belonged to the family Acetobacteraceae and consistently formed a robust cluster with Belnapia moabensis DSM 16746(T) in the phylogenetic tree. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between the new isolate and Belnapia moabensis DSM 16746(T) was 45.6%. On the basis of the taxonomic evidence, it is proposed that strain CPCC 100156(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Belnapia rosea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CPCC 100156(T) (=DSM 23312(T)=CGMCC 1.10758(T)). The description of the genus Belnapia is emended accordingly.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, slightly halophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, endospore-forming, motile, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JSM 081004(T), was isolated from non-saline forest soil in Xiaoxi National Natural Reserve, China. Growth occurred with 0.5-20 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2-4 %), at pH 6.0-10.5 (optimum pH 8.0) and at 5-40 °C (optimum 25-30 °C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C₁₅:₀ and anteiso-C₁₅:₀. Strain JSM 081004(T) contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JSM 081004(T) was 40.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 081004(T) should be assigned to the genus Bacillus and was most closely related to the type strains of Bacillus lehensis (sequence similarity 97.8 %), Bacillus oshimensis (97.8 %) and Bacillus patagoniensis (97.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness values, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data all support the proposal of strain JSM 081004(T) as a representative of a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus xiaoxiensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is JSM 081004(T) ( = CCTCC AA 208057(T)  = DSM 21943(T)).

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

A novel Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, strictly aerobic, non spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JSM 083058(T), was isolated from non-saline forest soil in Hunan Province, China. Growth occurred with 0-8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5-3%) at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 5-35°C (optimum, 25-30°C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 083058(T) fell within the cluster comprising species of the genus Sphingomonas, clustering with Sphingomonas aestuarii K4(T), with which it shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.2%). The chemotaxonomic properties of strain JSM 083058(T) were consistent with those of the genus Sphingomonas. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c), C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) and C17:1ω6c. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and sphingoglycolipid. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JSM 083058(T) was 65.5 mol%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the view that strain JSM 083058(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas hunanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 083058(T) (=CCTCC AA 209011(T) = DSM 22213(T)).

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

A Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming, motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JSM 081008(T), was isolated from non-saline forest soil in China. Strain JSM 081008(T) was able to grow with 0-20% (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.0-10.5 and at 10-45 degrees C; optimum growth was observed with 2-5% (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7.0-8.0 and at 30-35 degrees C. The peptidoglycan type was A1alpha linked directly through L-Lys. The major cellular fatty acids (>10% of the total) were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C16:0. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 and the genomic DNA G + C content of the strain was 42.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 081008(T) should be assigned to the genus Jeotgalibacillus and was related most closely to the type strains of Jeotgalibacillus alimentarius (sequence similarity 99.4%) and Jeotgalibacillus salarius (97.0%), followed by Jeotgalibacillus campisalis (95.4%) and Jeotgalibacillus marinus (95.2%). The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness values, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supports the view that strain JSM 081008(T) represents a novel species of the genus Jeotgalibacillus, for which the name Jeotgalibacillus soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 081008(T) (=DSM 22174(T) = KCTC 13528(T)). An emended description of the genus Jeotgalibacillus is also presented.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, slightly halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, non-motile, non-sporulating, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 070026(T), was isolated from non-saline forest soil in China. Growth occurred with 0-20% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-4%) and at pH 6.0-10.5 (optimum, pH 8.0) and 5-40 degrees C (optimum, 30 degrees C). Good growth also occurred in the presence of 0-28% (w/v) KCl (optimum, 2-5%) or 0-25% (w/v) MgCl(2)*6H(2)O (optimum, 1-4%). The peptidoglycan type was A4alpha (L: -Lys-Gly-L: -Glu). Cell-wall sugars contained mannose and xylose. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. Strain JSM 070026(T) contained menaquinone 8 as the major respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol as the major polar lipids. The DNA G + C content of strain JSM 070026(T) was 56.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JSM 070026(T) was a member of the suborder Micrococcineae and most closely related to Yaniella flava YIM 70178(T) (sequence similarity 99.4%) and Yaniella halotolerans YIM 70085(T) (97.9%). The three strains formed a distinct branch in the phylogenetic tree. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness values, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supports the proposal that strain JSM 070026(T) represents a novel species of the genus Yaniella, for which the name Yaniella soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 070026(T) (=DSM 22211(T) = KCTC 13527(T)).

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

A thermophilic strain, designated YIM 10002(T), was isolated from a soil sample of Big Empty Volcano in Tengchong county, Yunnan province, south-west China, and a polyphasic approach was used to investigate its taxonomic position. Strain YIM 10002(T) formed endospores on both aerial and substrate mycelia. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, ribose, xylose and glucose. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides, together with some unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of its genomic DNA was 48.6 mol%. All of these chemotaxonomic data together with morphological characters consistently assigned strain YIM 10002(T) to the genus Laceyella. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain YIM 10002(T) was most closely related to Laceyella sacchari KCTC 9790(T) and Laceyella putida KCTC 3666(T) (99.9 and 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). However, strain YIM 10002(T) showed relatively low DNA-DNA relatedness (34.0 and 39.0 %, respectively) with the above strains. Therefore, strain YIM 10002(T) represents a novel species of the genus Laceyella, for which the name Laceyella tengchongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 10002(T) (=DSM 45262(T) =CCTCC AA 208050(T)).

To investigate the diversity of culturable actinobacteria and further screen for microbial pharmaceutics, seven different media were chosen to isolate actinobacteria from 87 soil samples collected from Qinghai-Tibet plateau. A total of 1930 strains was isolated and identified to belong to 11 suborders, i.e., Actinopolysporineae, Corynebacterineae, Frankineae, Glycomycineae, Kineosporiineae, Micrococcineae, Micromonosporineae, Propionibacterineae, Pseudonocardineae, Streptomycineae and Streptosporangineae, and 16 families, i.e., Nocardioidaceae, Actinopolysporaceae, Actinosynnemataceae, Dermacoccaceae, Geodermatophilaceae, Glycomycetaceae, Kineosporiaceae, Microbacteriaceae, Micromonosporaceae, Nocardiaceae, Promicromonosporaceae, Propionibacteriaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Streptosporangiaceae and Thermomonosporaceae. A primary taxonomic study showed that at least 22 genera of actinobacteria were identified from the soil samples, among which ten isolates represented hitherto unknown species. The results showed that there was abundant actinobacterial species diversity in the soil samples from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

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

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

An actinomycete, strain I06-2230(T), was isolated from rhizosphere soil of the plant Cephalotaxus fortunei, collected from Yunnan province, south China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Actinopolymorpha. Cells grew on agar surfaces, with no penetration even after prolonged cultivation. Aerial hyphae were absent. Cells were irregularly shaped and remained attached as chains or aggregates. Chemotaxonomic data, which showed ll-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall, glucose as the whole-cell sugar, type PI phospholipids and MK-9(H4) as the predominant menaquinone, supported the affiliation of strain I06-2230(T) to the genus Actinopolymorpha. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 1) H. The genomic DNA G+C content was 69.3 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization data, in combination with chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical data, demonstrated that strain I06-2230(T) should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Actinopolymorpha. The name Actinopolymorpha cephalotaxi sp. nov. is proposed, with strain I06-2230(T) (=DSM 45117(T)=CCM 7466(T)=KCTC 19293(T)) as the type strain.

A moderately halophilic, Gram-positive, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 071077(T), was isolated from a subterranean brine sample collected from a salt mine in Hunan Province, China. Cells were motile by means of peritrichous flagella and formed ellipsoidal endospores lying in subterminal swollen sporangia. Strain JSM 071077(T) was able to grow with 2-25% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 5-10%), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and 10-40 degrees C (optimum, 25-30 degrees C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7, and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0), anteiso-C(17:0) and iso-C(15:0). The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 071077(T) should be assigned to the genus Halobacillus, being related most closely to the type strain of Halobacillus naozhouensis (98.8% sequence similarity), and the two strains formed a distinct subline in the neighbor-joining, minimum-evolution and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees. The sequence similarities between the novel isolate and the type strains of other recognized Halobacillus species ranged from 97.6% (with Halobacillus alkaliphilus) to 95.2% (with Halobacillus kuroshimensis). The results of the phylogenetic analyses, combined with DNA-DNA relatedness data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic information, support that strain JSM 071077(T) represents a new species of the genus Halobacillus, for which the name Halobacillus hunanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 071077(T) (=DSM 21184(T) = KCTC 13235(T)).

Two motile actinomycetes, designated strains 03-723(T) and 03-8772(T), which had potent inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecium peptide deformylase and several clinical Gram-positive, antibiotic-resistant strains, were isolated from two soil samples collected from Sichuan Province and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China, respectively. The taxonomic status of these two organisms was established by using a polyphasic approach. The taxonomic data were consistent with the assignment of the strains to the genus Actinoplanes. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two isolates formed a branch with the type strains of Actinoplanes lobatus, Actinoplanes auranticolor, Actinoplanes capillaceus, Actinoplanes campanulatus and Actinoplanes philippinensis in the clade of Actinoplanes species. This branching pattern was also supported by the tree constructed with the maximum-parsimony method. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains 03-723(T) and 03-8772(T) and their phylogenetic neighbours ranged from 98.0 to 98.8 % and 97.4 to 98.1 %, respectively. However, the two strains shared low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with the type strains of closely related Actinoplanes species and were readily distinguished by using a combination of phenotypic properties. Therefore, it is proposed that strains 03-723(T) and 03-8772(T) represent two novel species of the genus Actinoplanes, for which the names Actinoplanes sichuanensis sp. nov. (type strain 03-723(T)=KCTC 19460(T)=CCM 7526(T)) and Actinoplanes xinjiangensis sp. nov. (type strain 03-8772(T)=KCTC 19461(T)=CCM 7527(T)) are proposed.

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, endospore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JSM 089168(T), was isolated from saline soil collected from Naozhou Island, Leizhou Bay, South China Sea. The organism was able to grow with 2-25% (w/v) total salts (optimum, 5-10%), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and 10-45 degrees C (optimum, 30 degrees C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The strain contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone, and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(15:0) and anteiso-C(17:0), and the DNA G + C content was 40.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain JSM 089168(T) should be assigned to the genus Virgibacillus, being related most closely to the type strains of Virgibacillus carmonensis (sequence similarity 97.6%), Virgibacillus necropolis (97.3%) and Virgibacillus halodenitrificans (97.1%). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain JSM 089168(T) and the type strains of V. carmonensis, V. necropolis and V. halodenitrificans were 20.4, 14.3 and 12.0%, respectively. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA relatedness, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic data supported the view that strain JSM 089168(T) represents a novel species of the genus Virgibacillus, for which the name Virgibacillus litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 089168(T) (=DSM 21085(T) =KCTC 13228(T)).

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

A novel Gram-positive-staining, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming coccus, designated YIM-Y21(T), was isolated from a salt mine in Yunnan, south-west China. The strain was moderately halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic and obligately aerobic. Colonies were white. Growth occurred with 1.0-30.0 % NaCl (optimum, 10.0 % NaCl), at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.5) and at 5-40 degrees C (optimum, 25 degrees C). The major amino acid constituents of the cell wall were glycine and lysine. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). MK-6 was the predominant respiratory quinone, with MK-7 present in minor amounts. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 46.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain YIM-Y21(T) was most closely related to the type strains of the nine recognized species of the genus Salinicoccus. The sequence similarities between the isolate and the type strains of members of this genus were in the range of 90.6-93.8 %, which indicated that strain YIM-Y21(T) is a representative of a novel species within the genus Salinicoccus. Together with the phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic differences, these results support the proposal of a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus, Salinicoccus albus sp. nov., with YIM-Y21(T) (=CCTCC AA 207024(T) =DSM 19776(T) =KCTC 13192(T)) as the type strain.

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

A novel yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, slightly halophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, obligately aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM-C338(T), was isolated from saline soil from the Qaidam Basin in north-west China. Cells were non-sporulating, non-motile, short rods, predominantly occurring singly. Coccoid bodies and slightly curved rod-shaped cells of varying length developed in older cultures. Growth occurred with 0.5-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally with 1-3 %, w/v), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimally at pH 7.0) and at 4-37 degrees C (optimally at 28 degrees C). The major cellular fatty acids were C(16 : 0), C(18 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega7c, C(18 : 1)omega7c, iso-C(13 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(15 : 1). MK-6 was the only respiratory quinone. Non-diffusible carotenoid pigments were produced. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM-C338(T) was a member of the genus Salinimicrobium, having sequence similarities of 97.3 and 94.0 % with respect to Salinimicrobium xinjiangense BH206(T) and Salinimicrobium catena HY1(T). The combination of the phylogenetic data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic differences supported the view that strain YIM-C338(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM-C338(T) (=DSM 17865(T) =CGMCC 1.6308(T)). An emended description of the genus Salinimicrobium is also provided.

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic, moderately thermophilic, endospore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic bacterium, strain YIM-C55.5(T), was isolated from saline soil in the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. Cells were slender rods, motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Filamentous forms were present throughout the growth cycle. Strain YIM-C55.5(T) was able to grow in the presence of 7-30 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0-9.0, with optimum growth at 15 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.0. It was able to grow at 28-60 degrees C, with optimum growth at 45-50 degrees C. meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and C(18 : 0). Strain YIM-C55.5(T) possessed menaquinone 7 (MK-7) as the predominant respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol as polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM-C55.5(T) belonged to the family Bacillaceae and was related most closely to members of the genus Gracilibacillus, but with low levels of similarity to the type strains of recognized species of the genus (Gracilibacillus orientalis XH-63(T), 95.1 %; Gracilibacillus boraciitolerans T-16X(T), 94.0 %; Gracilibacillus dipsosauri DD1(T), 93.7 %; Gracilibacillus halotolerans NN(T), 93.5 %). Together with phenotypic data, these results suggest that strain YIM-C55.5(T) represents a novel species of the genus Gracilibacillus, for which the name Gracilibacillus halophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM-C55.5(T) (=DSM 17856(T) =CGMCC 1.6303(T)).

A Gram-positive, aerobic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 45725(T), was isolated from a forest soil sample in Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate was a member of the family Nocardioidaceae and was related most closely to Actinopolymorpha singaporensis IM 7744(T) (99.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Chemotaxonomic data, including cell-wall components, menaquinones and polar lipids, supported the affiliation of strain YIM 45725(T) to the genus Actinopolymorpha. The results of physiological and biochemical investigations and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments demonstrated that strain YIM 45725(T) differed from the single recognized species of the genus Actinopolymorpha. Strain YIM 45725(T) is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Actinopolymorpha, for which the name Actinopolymorpha rutila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45725(T) (=CCTCC AA 206004(T)=DSM 18448(T)).

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

Strain CPCC 100056(T), which was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The organism was coccobacillus-shaped, non-motile and formed vinaceous colonies on ISP2 agar medium. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major fatty acids were C(18:1)omega7c and C(16:1)omega7c and/or C(16:1)omega6c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 67.3 mol%. A comparison of sequences in GenBank revealed that strain CPCC 100056(T) exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (84.5-95.5%) with Roseomonas species. Strain CPCC 100056(T) could be distinguished from all Roseomonas species with validly published names by differences in phenotypic and genotypic properties. In view of the combined phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain CPCC 100056(T) should be classified as a representative of a novel species in the genus Roseomonas, Roseomonas vinacea sp. nov.; the type strain is CPCC 100056(T) (=KCTC 22045(T) =CCM 7468(T)).

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

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, mesophilic strain, designated YIM 45721T, was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample in Yunnan Province, China. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, strain YIM 45721T was assigned to the genus Microlunatus and was most closely related to the type strain of Microlunatus phosphovorus (98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Chemotaxonomic data, including cell-wall peptidoglycan structure, menaquinones and fatty acid profile, supported affiliation of strain YIM 45721T to the genus Microlunatus. Results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain YIM 45721T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from M. phosphovorus. Therefore, strain YIM 45721T represents a novel species of the genus Microlunatus, for which the name Microlunatus aurantiacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 45721T (=CCTCC AB 206067T=DSM 18424T).

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

A Gram-positive, non-motile, moderately halophilic, alkalitolerant actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 70179(T), was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Xinjiang Province, north-west China, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type of strain YIM 70179(T) was A4alpha, l-Lys-Gly-l-Glu. Cells of the isolate contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an unknown glycolipid, MK-8 as major menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0) as major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 68.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 70179(T) fell within the radiation of species of the genus Nesterenkonia. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 70179(T) and the type strains of recognized Nesterenkonia species were below 97 %, except to Nesterenkonia halobia DSM 20541(T) (99.6 %), but these two strains exhibited a low level of DNA-DNA relatedness (18.4 %). Based on genetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain YIM 70179(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nesterenkonia, for which the name Nesterenkonia halophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 70179(T) (=DSM 16378(T) =KCTC 19048(T)).

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile actinobacterium strain, designated YIM 45607(T), was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample in Kunming, south-west China. Chemotaxonomically, the isolate contained chemical markers that supported its assignment to the genus Rhodococcus. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, strain YIM 45607(T) formed a new subline within the genus Rhodococcus, with Rhodococcus equi as its closest phylogenetic neighbour (98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain). However, DNA-DNA hybridization demonstrated that strain YIM 45607(T) was different from R. equi DSM 20307(T) (35.4 % relatedness). Based on polyphasic analysis, strain YIM 45607(T) could be clearly distinguished from other species of the genus Rhodococcus. The isolate therefore represents a novel species of Rhodococcus, for which the name Rhodococcus kunmingensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain YIM 45607(T) (=KCTC 19149(T) =DSM 45001(T)).

Three Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-acid-alcohol-fast strains, designated I05-00051, I05-00074T and I03-00808, were isolated from different soil samples in Beijing and Sichuan, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed that these three isolates represented the same genospecies. These three strains showed <97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of recognized species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, with the exception of Saccharopolyspora hirsuta subsp. hirsuta DSM 43463T (98.1 % gene sequence similarity) and Saccharopolyspora spinosa DSM 44228T (98.0 % similarity). Chemotaxonomic data, including meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, arabinose and galactose as predominant sugars, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as major fatty acids, MK-9(H4) as predominant menaquinone and polar lipids dominated by diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, supported the affiliation of these three organisms to the genus Saccharopolyspora. The genomic DNA G+C contents of the three isolates were 68.2-69.9 mol%. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments among these three isolates and S. hirsuta subsp. hirsuta DSM 43463T and S. spinosa DSM 44228T, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that the three new isolates represent a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora antimicrobica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is I05-00074T (=CCM 7463T=KCTC 19303T).

A novel Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated CW-KD 4(T), was isolated from a polluted soil sample collected from Jiangsu Province, China, by using a classic enrichment method. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the novel strain represented a deep-rooting lineage within the class Gammaproteobacteria that was clustered with the genera Hydrocarboniphaga and Nevskia and some other unidentified bacteria. Polyphasic taxonomic studies revealed that strain CW-KD 4(T) showed rather distant relationships to its phylogenetically closest neighbours, including the two recognized genera Hydrocarboniphaga and Nevskia. Strain CW-KD 4(T) showed only 89.9% and 89.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type species of the genera Hydrocarboniphaga and Nevskia, respectively. The predominant isoprenoid quinone of strain CW-KD 4(T) was Q-8 with minor components including Q-9, MK-7 and MK-6. The major fatty acids were C(16:0), C(18:1)omega7c and summed feature 3. The G+C content of the DNA was 65.1 mol%. On the basis of its distinctive phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain CW-KD 4(T) represents a new genus and a novel species in the class Gammaproteobacteria, for which the name Sinobacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CW-KD 4(T) (=DSM 18980(T)=KCTC 12881(T)=CCTCC AB 206145(T)). In addition, a new family, Sinobacteraceae fam. nov., is proposed to house the genus Sinobacter gen. nov.

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

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated CW-E 2(T), was isolated from a polluted soil sample collected from Jiangsu Province, China. A taxonomic study of the isolate, including phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and phenotypic characteristics, was carried out. The predominant menaquinone was MK-6 and the major fatty acids were i-C(15 : 0), i-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, i-C(17 : 1) omega 9c and summed feature 4. The G+C content of the DNA was 37.2 mol%. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain CW-E 2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium for which the name Chryseobacterium flavum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CW-E 2(T) (=KCTC 12877(T)=CCTCC AB 206147(T)).

A moderately halophilic bacterium, strain YIM 70202(T), was isolated from a desert soil sample collected from Egypt and was subjected to a taxonomic investigation. In a phylogenetic dendrogram based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM 70202(T) was affiliated to the Salinicoccus clade, showing 94.5-96.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the recognized species of the genus Salinicoccus, in which Salinicoccus roseus CCM 3516(T) was the nearest neighbour. The DNA-DNA relatedness value of the novel isolate with S. roseus CCM 3516(T) was 12.7 %. The novel isolate grew at temperatures between 4 and 45 degrees C and at pH values ranging from 7.0 to 11.0, with an optimum of 30 degrees C and pH 8.0-9.0, respectively. Strain YIM 70202(T) grew optimally in the presence of 10 % NaCl (w/v) and growth was observed at NaCl concentrations in the range 1-25 % (w/v). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain YIM 70202(T) contained MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone, possessed L-Lys-Gly(5) as the cell-wall peptidoglycan, had phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unknown glycolipid as the polar lipids and contained i-C(15 : 0) and ai-C(15 : 0) as the predominant fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 49.7 mol%. The biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties demonstrate that strain YIM 70202(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus. The name Salinicoccus luteus sp. nov. is proposed with strain YIM 70202(T) (=CGMCC 1.6511(T)=KCTC 3941(T)) as the type strain.

A novel actinomycete strain, designated YIM 45720(T), was isolated from a Cephalotaxus fortunei rhizophere soil sample collected from Yunnan Province, southwest China. The strain formed well-differentiated aerial and substrate mycelia. Chemotaxonomically, it contained LL-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall. The cell-wall sugars contained ribose, mannose, and galactose with traces of glucose and xylose. Phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. MK-9 (H(8)) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids (>10%) were iso-C(16:0), iso-C(15:1) and anteiso-C(15:0). The G + C content of the DNA was 70 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis data based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain YIM 45720(T) formed a distinct branch with the type strain of Streptomyces scabrisporus JCM 11712(T) within the genus Streptomyces. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain YIM 45720(T) (=DSM 41883(T) = CCTCC AA 206006(T)) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, Streptomyces serianimatus sp. nov.

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

A halophilic, Gram-positive, spore-forming motile Bacillus-like strain YIM 012(T), was isolated from one of the hypersaline soil samples collected in Xin-jiang province, China. Its optimum growth occurred at 10-20% of NaCl concentration (w/v), pH 7.0-8.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 012(T) is a member of the genus of Alkalibacillus, which is well supported by its chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics. Based on its phenotypic evidence and genotypic data, Alkalibacillus halophilus sp. nov. was proposed and strain YIM 012(T) (=DSM 17369(T)=KCTC 3990(T)) was assigned as the type strain of the novel species.

The actinobacterial strain YIM 70185(T) was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Qinghai province, north-west China, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed 93.5-96.4 % similarity to members of related genera in the family Micrococcaceae. In the phylogenetic dendrogram based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM 70185(T) formed a separate clade next to the genera Micrococcus and Citricoccus within the family Micrococcaceae. The peptidoglycan type was A4alpha, l-lys-l-ala-l-Glu. Cell-wall sugars contained glucose and tyvelose. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown glycolipid. The menaquinones were MK-9, MK-10 and MK-8 (molar ratio 5 : 2 : 1). The major fatty acids were ai-C(15 : 0) and i-C(15 : 0) and the DNA G+C content was 66.5 mol%. These chemotaxonomic profiles supported the assignment of strain YIM 70185(T) to a novel genus within the family Micrococcaceae. The name Zhihengliuella halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Zhihengliuella halotolerans is YIM 70185(T) (=DSM 17364(T)=KCTC 19085(T)).