Sporosarcina jeotgali sp. nov., Sporosarcina oncorhynchi sp. nov., and Sporosarcina trichiuri sp. nov., Isolated from Jeotgal, a Traditional Korean Fermented Seafood.

Three novel, Gram-stain-positive, obligate aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterial strains, designated B2O-1T, T2O-4T, and 0.2-SM1T-5T, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Strains B2O-1T, T2O-4T, and 0.2-SM1T-5T exhibited distinct colony colors, characterized by pink, yellow, and red opaque circular colonies, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three strains formed a paraphyletic clade within the genus Sporosarcina and shared < 99.0% similarity with Sporosarcina aquimarina KCTC 3840T and Sporosarcina saromensis KCTC 13119T in their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The three strains exhibiting Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity values < 79.3% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values < 23.1% within the genus Sporosarcina affirmed their distinctiveness. Strains B2O-1T, T2O-4T, and 0.2-SM1T-5T contained MK-7 as a sole respiratory menaquinone and A4α type peptidoglycan based on lysine with alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. The common polar lipids include diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Strain T2O-4T contained one unidentified phospholipid, whereas strain 0.2-SM1T-5T contained two unidentified phospholipids. Cellular fatty acid profiles, with C15:0 anteiso as the major fatty acid, supported the affiliation of the three strains to the genus Sporosarcina. Based on the polyphasic characteristics, strains B2O-1T (= KCTC 43506T = JCM 36032T), T2O-4T (= KCTC 43489T = JCM 36031T), and 0.2-SM1T-5T (= KCTC 43519T = JCM 36034T) represent three novel species within the genus Sporosarcina, named Sporosarcina jeotgali sp. nov., Sporosarcina oncorhynchi sp. nov., and Sporosarcina trichiuri sp. nov., respectively.

Jeongeuplla avenae gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel ß-carotene-producing bacterium that alleviates salinity stress in Arabidopsis.

A novel endophytic bacterium, designated DY-R2A-6T, was isolated from oat (Avena sativa L.) seeds and found to produces ß-carotene. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DY-R2A-6T had 96.3% similarity with Jiella aquimaris LZB041T, 96.0% similarity with Aurantimonas aggregate R14M6T and Aureimonas frigidaquae JCM 14755T, and less than 95.8% similarity with other genera in the family Aurantimonadaceae. The complete genome of strain DY-R2A-6T comprised 5,929,370 base pairs, consisting of one full chromosome (5,909,198 bp) and one plasmid (20,172 bp), with a G + C content was 69.1%. The overall genome-related index (OGRI), including digital DNA-DNA hybridization (<20.5%), ANI (<79.2%), and AAI (<64.2%) values, all fell below the thresholds set for novel genera. The major cellular fatty acids (>10%) of strain DY-R2A-6T were C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c). Ubiquinone-10 was the main respiratory quinone. We identified the gene cluster responsible for carotenoid biosynthesis in the genome and found that the pink-pigment produced by strain DY-R2A-6T is ß-carotene. In experiment with Arabidopsis seedlings, co-cultivation with strain DY-R2A-6T led to a 1.4-fold increase in plant biomass and chlorophyll content under salt stress conditions, demonstrating its capacity to enhance salt stress tolerance in plants. Moreover, external application of ß-carotene to Arabidopsis seedlings under salt stress conditions also mitigated the stress significantly. Based on these findings, strain DY-R2A-6T is proposed to represent a novel genus and species in the family Aurantimonadaceae, named Jeongeuplla avenae gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is DY-R2A-6T (= KCTC 82985T = GDMCC 1.3014T). This study not only identified a new taxon but also utilized genome analysis to predict and confirm the production of ß-carotene by strain DY-R2A-6T. It also demonstrated the ability of this strain to enhance salt stress tolerance in plants, suggesting potential application in agriculture to mitigate environmental stress in crops.

Genomic attributes and characterization of novel exopolysaccharide-producing bacterium Halomonas piscis sp. nov. isolated from jeotgal.

Halophilic bacterial strains, designated SG2L-4T, SB1M4, and SB2L-5, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented food. Cells are Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, and oxidase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SG2L-4T is closely related to Halomonas garicola KACC 18117T with a similarity of 96.2%. The complete genome sequence of strain SG2L-4T was 3,227,066 bp in size, with a genomic G + C content of 63.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain SG2L-4T and H. garicola KACC 18117T were 90.5 and 40.7%, respectively. The optimal growth conditions for strain SG2L-4T were temperatures between 30 and 37°C, a pH value of 7, and the presence of 10% (w/v) NaCl. The polar lipids identified included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid, an unknown glycolipid, and an unknown polar lipid. The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, summed features 8 (C18:1ω6c and/or C18:1ω7c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, and summed features 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone with nine isoprene units (Q-9). Based on the phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic results, strain SG2L-4T represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas piscis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG2L-4T (=KCTC 92842T = JCM 35929T). Functional annotation of the genome of strain SG2L-4T confirmed the presence of exopolysaccharide synthesis protein (ExoD) and capsular polysaccharide-related genes. Strain SG2L-4T also exhibited positive results in Molisch's test, indicating the presence of extracellular carbohydrates and exopolysaccharides (EPS) production. These findings provide valuable insights into the EPS-producing capabilities of H. piscis sp. nov. isolated from jeotgal, contributing to understanding its potential roles in food and biotechnological applications.

Complete genome of Polaribacter huanghezhanensis KCTC 32516T isolated from glaciomarine fjord sediment of Svalbard.

Polaribacter huanghezhanensis KCTC 32516T is an aerobic, non-flagellated, Gram-negative, orange-colony-forming bacterium that was isolated from the surficial glaciomarine sediment of inner basin of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. The sampling site is characterized by a sedimentation of organic depleted lithogenous particles from the nearby glaciers, resulting in reduction of organic matter concentration. In order to understand microbial adaptation to the oligotrophic environment, we here sequenced the complete genome of the P. huanghezhanensis KCTC 32516T. The genome consists of 2,587,874 bp (G + C content of 31.5%) with a single chromosome, 2391 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNAs, and 2 rRNA operons. Our comparative analysis revealed that the P. huanghezhanensis possess the smallest genome in fifteen Polaribacter species with genome. The streamlined genome of this species, required less resource in replication, could evolved by the nutrient deficiency in surrounding environment. Simultaneously, the 15 KOs involved in amino acid biosynthesis and anaplerotic carbon fixation is uniquely absent in the P. huanghezhanensis. In addition, although the advantage of small genome, other 15 KOs involved in resource recycling and stress resistance is uniquely present in sequenced genome. This result demonstrates that the sequenced genome serves as a valuable model for further studies aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with adaptation to oligotrophic habitat.

Alkalimarinus alittae sp. nov., isolated from gut of marine sandworm (Alitta virens) and emended description of the genus Alkalimarinus.

A novel, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, catalase- and oxidase-negative bacterial strain, designated A2M4T, was isolated from the gut contents of a marine sandworm Alitta virens, collected from the eastern coast of the Republic of Korea. Strain A2M4T formed translucent circular colonies and showed rod-shaped cells with peritrichous flagella. Optimal growth of strain A2M4T occurred at 25 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain A2M4T was closely related to Alkalimarinus sediminis FA028T, with the highest sequence similarity of 98.9 %. The complete genome sequence of strain A2M4T was 4.25 Mbp in size and the genomic G+C content, calculated from the genome sequence, was 43.2 mol%. A comparison between the genome sequence of strain A2M4T and that of its closest relative, A. sediminis FA028T, showed an average nucleotide identity value of 76.63 % and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 22.2 %. Strain A2M4T contained Q-9 as the sole respiratory isoprenoid quinone and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids of strain A2M4T were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic characteristics, strain A2M4T represents a novel species of the genus Alkalimarinus, for which the name Alkalimarinus alittae sp. nov. is proposed. The type is strain A2M4T (=KCTC 92030T=JCM 35924T). The description of the genus Alkalimarinus has also been emended.

Sphingomonas abietis sp. nov., an Endophytic Bacterium Isolated from Korean Fir.

PAMB 00755T, a bacterial strain, was isolated from Korean fir leaves. The strain exhibits yellow colonies and consists of Gram-negative, non-motile, short rods or ovoid-shaped cells. It displays optimal growth conditions at 20°C, 0% NaCl, and pH 6.0. Results of 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses showed that strain PAMB 00755T was most closely related to Sphingomonas chungangi MAH-6T (97.7%) and Sphingomonas polyaromaticivorans B2-7T (97.4%), and ≤96.5% sequence similarity to other members of the genus Sphingomonas. The values of average nucleotide identity (79.9-81.3%), average amino acid identity (73.3-75.9%), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (73.3-75.9%) were significantly lower than the threshold values for species boundaries; these overall genome-related indexes (OGRI) analyses indicated that the strain represents a novel species. Genomic analysis revealed that the strain has a 4.4-Mbp genome encoding 4,083 functional genes, while the DNA G+C content of the whole genome is 66.1%. The genome of strain PAMB 00755T showed a putative carotenoid biosynthetic cluster responsible for its antioxidant activity. The respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone 10 (Q-10), while the major fatty acids in the profile were identified as C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c (summed feature 8). The major polar lipids of strain PAMB 00755T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, and phosphatidylcholine. Based on a comprehensive analysis of genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, we proposed the name Sphingomonas abietis sp. nov. for this novel species, with PAMB 00755T as the type strain (= KCTC 92781T = GDMCC 1.3779T).

Leisingera thetidis sp. nov., isolated from coastal water.

A Gram-strain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive and pinkish beige colony-forming bacterial strain designated as BMJM1T was isolated from a marine sample collected from coastal water near Tongyeong, Republic of Korea. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that BMJM1T represents a member of the genus Leisingera as it is closely related to Leisingera daeponensis KCTC 12794T (98.27%), Leisingera caerulea DSM 24564T (97.98%), Leisingera aquaemixtae KCTC 32538T (97.91%), Leisingera methylohalidivorans DSM 14336T (97.26%) and Leisingera aquimarina DSM 24565T (97.25%). Optimal growth occurred at 25-30°C, pH 7.0 and with 2% NaCl. Digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain BMJM1T and the closely related species of the genus Leisingera were below 40 and 90%, respectively, which are far below the thresholds to delineate a novel species. The predominant fatty acids (>10%) are summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c) (68.4%) and C14:1iso E (11.6%). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phospholipid. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The DNA G+C content was 64.0%. On the basis of the results of the polyphasic taxonomic characterisation, BMJM1T represents a novel species of the genus Leisingera, for which the name is Leisingera thetidis sp. nov. is proposed, with that type strain BMJM1T (= KCTC 92110T = GDMCC 1.2992T).

Sphingomonas cremea sp. nov., isolated from ginseng soil.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, cream-coloured strain (G124T) was isolated from ginseng soil collected in Yeongju, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain G124T belongs to a distinct lineage within the genus Sphingomonas (family Sphingomonadaceae, order Sphingomonadales and class Alphaproteobacteria). Strain G124T was closely related to Sphingomonas rhizophila THG-T61T (98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Sphingomonas mesophila SYSUP0001T (98.3 %), Sphingomonas edaphi DAC4T (97.6 %) and Sphingomonas jaspsi TDMA-16T (97.6 %). The strain contained ubiquinone 10 as the major respiratory quinone. The major polar lipid profile of strain G124T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and sphingoglycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain G124T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c; 33.4 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c; 27.2 %) and C16 : 0 (18.3 %). The genome size of strain G124T was 2 549 305 bp. The genomic DNA G+C content is 62.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain G124T and other Sphingomonas species were in the range of 71.2-75.9 % and 18.7-19.9 %, respectively. Based on the polyphasic analysis such as biochemical, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain G124T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas cremea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is G124T (=KACC 21691T=LMG 31729T).

Actinomadura terrae sp. nov. and Actinomadura litoris OS3-89, isolated from rhizosphere soil of cactus.

Two mycelium-forming actinobacterial strains, designated OS3-83 T and OS3-89, were isolated from rhizosphere soil of a cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) sampled on Mara Island, Jeju, Republic of Korea. Both of the isolates were found to grow at 20-37 °C, pH 6.0-10.0 and with 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl. Their taxonomic positions were investigated by a polyphasic approach. Strains OS3-83T and OS3-89 were most closely related to the type strain of Actinomadura litoris (99.5 % and 98.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Both of the isolates shared 99.2 % sequence similarity to each other. Morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the affiliation of the two isolates to the genus Actinomadura. 16S rRNA gene phylogeny exhibited that strain OS3-83T formed a tight cluster with A. litoris, while strain OS3-89 occupied a position located remotely from A. litoris. Nevertheless, phylogenomic analysis based on 92 core gene sequences showed that both of the isolates formed a tight clade with A. litoris. The values of average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization between strain OS3-83T and the closest relative, A. litoris, were 92.2 and 46.2 %, respectively, whereas strain OS3-89 shared an average nucleotide identity value of 97.5 % and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 76.9 % with A. litoris. These results strongly suggested that strain OS3-83T (=KACC 19752T=NBRC 114688T) represents a novel species and strain OS3-89 (=KACC 19753=NBRC 114400) is a strain of A. litoris. On the basis of the data obtained here, strain OS3-83T is considered to represent a new species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura terrae sp. nov. is proposed.

Humibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., with ginsenoside-converting activity isolated from activated sludge.

A novel Gram-stain-positive, thin rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic and creamy-white pigmented bacterium (designated strain WJ7-1T) was isolated from activated sludge sampled in Suwon, Republic of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Humibacter, family Microbacteriaceae, with a sequence similarity of 97.9 % to its nearest neighbour Humibacter albus KACC 20986T. Strain WJ7-1T contained menaquinone (MK)-10 (16.0 %), 11 (48.5 %) and 12 (35.5 %) as major respiratory quinones. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>15 %) were anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The peptidoglycan of strain WJ7-1T contained the diagnostic diamino acid ornithine and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid alanine. Alanine, glutamic acid and glycine were also present in the cell wall. The characteristic whole-cell sugars present were glucose, galactose, xylose and rhamnose. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. Strain WJ7-1T possessed ginsenoside-converting (ß-glucosidase) activity, which enabled it to transform ginsenoside protopanaxadiol-type Rb1 (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to compound K. The genome size of strain WJ7-1T has 4.2 Mbp and the G+C content is 68.3 mol%. Average nucleotide identity, amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain WJ7-1T and the closely related strain were 79.8, 36.1 and 23.5 %, respectively, indicating that strain WJ7-1T represents a novel species of the genus Humibacter. Strain WJ7-1T could be distinguished from the other members of the genus Humibacter by a number of chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics. Based on polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain WJ7-1T (=KACC 19729T=LMG 30802T) represents a novel species within the genus Humibacter, for which the name Humibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed.

Olsenella intestinalis sp. nov., isolated from cow feces.

A Gram-stain-negative, anaerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as BGYT1T, was isolated from the feces of a cow in Andong, Republic of Korea. It was studied using a polyphasic method to determine its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BGYT1T formed a lineage within the genus Olsenella and was most closely related to O. umbonate KCTC 15140T (98.2%). The complete genome sequence of strain BGYT1T was 2,476,083 bp long with a G + C content of 66.9 mol% and contained 1835 genes and 8 contigs. The N50 value was 604,117 bp. There were 50 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs (5S, 16S, 23S), 1778 CDSs and 2 BGCs and 1 tmRNA. The values for ANI (76.8%), AAI (67.3%), and dDDH (22.2%) compared to the closest related species were all below the threshold for bacterial species delineation. In addition, genes encoding the cell wall degrading enzymes such as chitinases, ß-1,3 glucanases, and proteases were also detected. The strain was able to grow at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), in the presence of 0.5-1.5% NaCl (optimum, 0.5%, w/v) and at the temperature range of 35-40 °C (optimum, 35 °C). The predominant fatty acids were C16:0 DMA (20.2%), C16:0 (20.2%), C18:0 (10.5%) and C18:1 cis 9 (17.0%). The polar lipids consisted of an unidentified phospholipid, four unidentified glycolipids and three unidentified lipids. Based on its phenotypic analyses, phylogenetic and physiological characteristics, strain BGYT1T represented a novel species within the genus Olsenella, for which the name Olsenella intestinalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BGYT1T (= KCTC 25379T = GDMCC 1.3011T).

Pseudophaeobacter flagellatus sp. nov., isolated from coastal water.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped novel bacterial strain, designated as MA21411-1T, was isolated from the Korean coast. The colonies were white-yellow-coloured, smooth, convex and entire, spherical and 1.0-1.8 mm in diameter. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain MA21411-1T is closely related to species of the genus Pseudophaeobacter. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain MA21411-1T and Pseudophaeobacter arcticus DSM 23566T, Phaeobacter porticola DSM 103148T and Pseudophaeobacter leonis DSM 25627T were 98.31, 97.80 and 97.28 %, respectively. Strain MA21411-1T has a draft genome size of 4 294 042 bp, annotated with 4125 protein-coding genes, and 53 tRNA, three rRNA and one tmRNA genes. The genomic DNA G+C content was 59.2 mol%. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values among strain MA21411-1T and other related species were below the cut-off levels of 95, 70 and 95.5 %, respectively. The growth temperature range for growth was 15-28 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH range was 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0), and salt tolerance range was 0.5-4 % (optimum 0.5 %). Ubiquinone-10 was the sole quinone present in MA21411-1T and all three closely related strains. The major cellular fatty acid (>10 %) of the strain was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and four unidentified polar lipids. Based on the phylogenetic tree, as well as phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic features, strain MA21411-1T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudophaeobacter, for which the name Pseudophaeobacter flagellatus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MA21411-1T (=KCTC 92095T=GDMCC 1.2988T).

Complete genome of Nocardioides aquaticus KCTC 9944T isolated from meromictic and hypersaline Ekho Lake, Antarctica.

Nocardioides aquaticus KCTC 9944T is an aerobic, non-motile, Gram-positive, psychrotolerant, non-spore-forming bacterium isolated from the surface water of Ekho Lake in the Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica. This meromictic lake separated from Antarctic seawater thousands of years ago exhibits steep gradients of salinity and temperature in the upper layer of the water column. The cells of N. aquaticus thriving in Ekho Lake are able to grow in wide ranges of temperature (3 to 43.5 °C) and salinity (0 to 15% NaCl). Here, we sequenced the complete genome of N. aquaticus KCTC 9944T, aiming to better understand the adaptation of this bacterium to the strong environmental gradients at the molecular level. The genome consists of 4,580,814 bp (G + C content of 73.2%) with a single chromosome, 4432 protein-coding genes, 51 tRNAs and 2 rRNA operons. The genome possesses genes for the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, photoheterotrophy, the conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA, gluconeogenesis, and energy storage that are all advantageous to oligotrophic bacteria. The presence of genes involved in osmotic balance, fatty acid desaturation, cold and heat shock responses, and the oxygen affinities of respiratory oxidases are likely associated with high tolerance to strong gradients of salinity, temperature and oxygen concentration.

Pedobacter endophyticus sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from Carex pumila.

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, weak-motile, short-rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated JBR3-12T, was isolated from halophyte Carex pumila plants, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain produced a pink pigment on tryptic soy agar and grew optimally at 25 °C, pH 8 and in the presence of 3 % (w/v) NaCl. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JBR3-12T formed a lineage within the genus Pedobacter and was most closely related to Pedobacter sandarakinus DS-27T (98.0 %) and Pedobacter agri PB92T (97.6 %). The DNA G+C content of the genome was 41.3 mol%; the whole genome length was 5 426 070 bp. The major fatty acids of JBR3-12T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω6c and/or C16 : 1 ω7c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The predominant polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant quinone was menaquinone-7. Based on its phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic features, strain JBR3-12T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name is Pedobacter endophyticus sp. nov. The type strain is JBR3-12T (=KCTC 82363T=NBRC 114901T).

Anaerococcus faecalis sp. nov., Isolated from Swine Faeces.

An obligate anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-spore forming, non-motile, catalase and oxidase-negative, coccoid-shaped bacterium designated AGMB00486T was isolated from swine faeces. The optimal growth of the isolate occurred at pH 8.0 and 37 ℃. Furthermore, the growth was observed in the presence of up to 4% (w/v) NaCl but not at salinity levels higher than 5%. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain AGMB00486T was a member of the genus Anaerococcus and that the isolate was most closely related to Anaerococcus vaginalis KCTC 15028T (96.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) followed by Anaerococcus hydrogenalis KCTC 15014T (96.7%) and Anaerococcus senegalensis KCTC 15435T (96.3%). Whole-genome sequence analysis determined that the DNA G+C content of strain AGMB00486T was 30.1 mol%, and the genome size, numbers of tRNA and rRNA genes were 2,268,866 bp, 47 and 8, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values between strain AGMB00486T and the three related type strains were 77.0, 77.4 and 77.2%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of strain AGMB00486T were C14:0, C16:0 and C16:0 DMA. Accordingly, these distinct phenotypic and phylogenetic properties revealed that strain AGMB00486T represents a novel species, for which the name Anaerococcus faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00486T (= KCTC 15945T = CCTCC AB 202009T).

Duganella aceris sp. nov., isolated from tree sap and proposal to transfer of Rugamonas aquatica and Rugamonas rivuli to the genus Duganella as Duganella aquatica comb. nov., with the emended description of the genus Rugamonas.

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, betaproteobacterial strain, designated SAP-35T, was isolated from sap extracted from Acer pictum in Mt. Halla in Jeju, Republic of Korea, and its taxonomic status was examined by a polyphasic approach. Cells of the organism were non-sporulating, motile rods and grew at 4-30 °C, pH 6-7 and in the absence of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene- and whole genome-based phylogenetic analyses showed that strain SAP-35T belonged to the family Oxalobacteraceae and was closely related to Rugamonas rivuli (98.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Rugamonas aquatica (98.4%). The phylogenomic clustering and average amino acid identity values supported that strain SAP-35T belonged to the genus Duganella and two Rugamonas species should be transferred to the genus Duganella. The major isoprenoid quinone of the isolate was Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3, C16:0 and C17:0 cyclo. The G + C content of genome was 64.9%. The average nucleotide identity and dDDH values between strain SAP-35T and the members of the genera Rugamonas and Duganella were < 85.1% and < 49%, respectively. Based on the combined data presented here, strain SAP-35T (= KCTC 72227T = NBRC 113903T) represents a novel species of the genus Duganella, for which the name Duganella aceris sp. nov. is proposed. Also, Rugamonas aquatica Lu et al. (Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 70: 3328-3334, 2020) and Rugamonas aquatica Lu et al. 2020 are reclassified as Duganella aquatica comb. nov., with the emended description of the genus Rugamonas.

Complete genome of Polaromonas vacuolata KCTC 22033T isolated from beneath Antarctic Sea ice.

Polaromonas vacuolata KCTC 22033T is an obligate aerobic, Gram-negative, psychrophilic and rod-shaped bacterium isolated from beneath the sea ice off the coast of the Palmer Peninsula, Anvers Islands, Antarctica. P. vacuolata is the type species of Polaromonas genus and the first example of gas vacuolate Betaproteobacteria isolated from marine habitats. Here, we report a complete genome of P. vacuolata KCTC 22033T, which consists of 3,837,686 bp (G + C content of 52.07%) with a single chromosome, 3461 protein-coding genes, 56 tRNAs and 6 rRNA operons. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes involved in bacterial adaptation under saline conditions, cold adaptation via the production of gas vesicles and cell adhesion proteins, and a photoheterotrophic lifestyle when challenged by starvation. Intriguingly, several of these genes were likely acquired from species outside the Polaromonas genus. The genomic information therefore describes the unique evolution and adaptation of P. vacuolata to its extraordinary habitat, i.e., beneath the Antarctic sea ice.

Kangsaoukella pontilimi gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Rhodobacteraceae isolated from a tidal mudflat.

A strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, ovoid- and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain GH1-50T, was isolated from a tidal mudflat sample collected from Dongmak seashore on Gangwha Island, Republic of Korea. The organism showed growth at 20-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 7-8 (optimum, pH 7) and 2-6  % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 5 %). The pufLM genes were present but bacteriochlorophyll a was not detected. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified aminolipid and five unidentified lipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c, C18 : 1 ω7c 11-methyl and C18 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that the isolate belonged to the family Rhodobacteraceae and was loosely associated with members of the recognized genera. The closest relative was the type strain of Pseudoruegeria marinistellae (96.8 % similarity) followed by Boseongicola aestuarii (96.4 %). Other members of the family shared 16S rRNA gene similarity values below 96.0 % to the novel isolate. The DNA G+C content calculated from the draft genome sequence was 64.0 %. The average amino acid identity, average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between genome sequences of strain GH1-50T and all the type strains of the recognized taxa compared were <70.0, <84.1 and <20.5 %, respectively. Based on data obtained by a polyphasic approach, strain GH1-50T (=KCTC 72224T=NBRC 113929T) represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Kangsaoukella pontilimi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

Rahnella aceris sp. nov., isolated from sap drawn from Acer pictum.

A Gram-reaction-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated SAP-19T, was isolated from sap extracted from Acer pictum in Mt. Halla in Jeju, Republic of Korea and its taxonomic statue was investigated by a polyphasic approach including genome- and 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses. Cells were motile, short rods and showed growth at 20-30 °C, pH 4-9 and 0-6% (w/v) NaCl. The whole genome- and 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses exhibited that strain SAP-19T belongs to the genus Rahnella and forms a tight cluster with Rahnella aquatilis. The isolate shared average nucleotide identity of 92.7% and 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.6% with the type strain of Rahnella aquatilis. The polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The predominant fatty acids were C16:0 and C17:0cyclo. The G + C content of the genome was 52.3%. The low average nucleotide identity (92.7%) and digital DNA relatedness (48.6%) values between the isolate and the most closely related strain showed that the isolate can be considered a different genospecies. On the basis of combined data obtained in this study, strain SAP-19T (= KACC 21744T = NBRC 114407T) represents a novel species of the genus Rahnella, for which the name Rahnella aceris sp. nov. is proposed.

Marimonas lutisalis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal mudflat and emended description of the genus Marimonas.

A Gram-reaction-negative bacterial strain, designated GH1-19T, was isolated from a tidal mudflat sample collected in Gangwha Island, Republic of Korea. Cells of the novel micro-organism were strictly aerobic, non-sporulating, motile and rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6-9 (pH 8) and in the presence of 1-9 % NaCl (3 %). Comparative analysis of complete or nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences exhibited that strain GH1-19T formed a distinct cluster between Marimonas arenosa CAU 1311T (97.42 % sequence similarity) and Aquicoccus porphyridii L1 8-17T (97.35 %). Similarity levels of 16S rRNA gene sequences between the novel strain and other members of the family Rhodobacteraceae were below 96.6 %. The isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 0 ω7c and/or C16 : 0 ω6c) and C12 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the DNA was 63.2 mol% (draft genome). DNA-DNA relatedness value between the novel strain and the type strain of Marimonas arenosa was 12.7±9.0 %. On the basis of data from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and DNA-DNA hybridization studies together with phylogenetic analyses, strain GH1-19T (=KCTC 62376T=DSM 106292T) represents a novel species of the genus Marimonas, for which the name Marimonas lutisalis sp. nov. is proposed, with the emended description of the genus Marimonas.