Pontibacter harenae sp. nov., isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic and light pink-pigmented bacterium, designated XAAS-A31T, was isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest located near Hotan City, Xinjiang, PR China. Polyphasic, taxonomic and phylogenomic analyses were used to determine the taxonomy position of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that XAAS-A31T belongs to the genus Pontibacter, family Hymenobacteraceae, and shows highest sequence similarity to Pontibacter silvestris XAAS-R86T (96.2 %). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (22.0 %-19.2 %) and orthologous average nucleotide identity (74.1 %-72.7 %) values relative to closest validly published Pontibacter species were lower than the recommended thresholds of 70 and 96 %, respectively. The cells grew at 4-40 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), at pH 6.5-8.5 (pH 7.0-7.5) and with 0-8% NaCl (0.5-2.0% NaCl). The main respiratory quinone of XAAS-A31T is MK-7, and the principal cellular fatty acids are iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3OH and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified amino-phospholipids, one unidentified glycolipid and eight unidentified lipids. The genome length of strain XAAS-A31T is 5.48 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 44.2 mol% and 4013 protein-coding genes. Phenotypic and genotypic data suggested that XAAS-A31T represents a novel Pontibacter species, for which we propose the name Pontibacter harenae sp. nov. and type strain XAAS-A31T (=CCTCC AB 2017162T=KCTC 62049T).

Pontibacter kalidii sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Kalidium foliatum.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, gliding motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated XAAS-72T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Kalidium foliatum sampled in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, PR China. Cells grew at 4-45 °C, pH 5.0-8.0 and 0-8% NaCl, with optimal growth at 20-30 °C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 1-2 % NaCl. Strain XAAS-72T is closely related to members of the genus Pontibacter, namely Pontibacter korlensis CCTCC AB 206081T (97.6%) and Pontibacter flavimaris ACCC 19859T (97.2 %), and <94.6 % related to other currently described Pontibacter strains. The average nucleotide identity values between XAAS-72T and P. korlensis CCTCC AB 206081T and P. flavimaris ACCC 19859T were 77.9 and 86.9 %, respectively; the corresponding digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were 21.7 and 31.8 %. Menaquinone-7 was the predominant respiratory menaquinone. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified glycolipids and five unidentified lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 4 (containing iso-C17 : 1 I/anteiso-C17 : 1 B), summed feature 3 (containing C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c) and iso-C15 : 0. The genome length of strain XAAS-72T was 5 054 860 bp with a genomic DNA G+C content of 54.5 mol%. The phenotypic and genotypic data suggest that strain XAAS-72T represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter kalidii sp. nov. is proposed. The strain is XAAS-72T (CGMCC 16594T=KCTC 72095T).

Radiobacillus kanasensis sp. nov., a halotolerant bacterium isolated from woodland soil.

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, endospore-forming salt-tolerant bacterium strain (80T), was isolated from woodland soil collected near Kanas lake in the Altay region of Xinjiang, PR China. The strain grew at 15-45 °C, pH6.0-9.0 and with 0-14 % (w/v) NaCl. The complete genome size of the novel strain was 4 031 766 bp including a circle chromosome and a circle plasmid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 38.99 mol %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and genome showed that strain 80T has the highest similarity to Radiobacillus deserti TKL69T. However, the novel strain showed an average nucleotide identity value of 78.65 % (lower than 95 %) and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 22.30 % with R. deserti TKL69T based on the genome sequences. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17:0 and C16 : 1 ω7c alcohol. The only respiratory quinone was MK-7. The cell wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid and two unidentified glycolipids were identified as the major polar lipids. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses showed that strain 80T represents a novel species of the genus Radiobacillus and the name Radiobacillus kanasensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 80T (=GDMCC 1.2844T=JCM 35077T).

Molecular identification and efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi isolates against larvae of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Xinjiang, China.

AIMS: This study aimed to isolate and identify entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from fungus-infected Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, screen their bio-efficacy against O. furnacalis, and select the most suitable virulent native EPF for biocontrol agent development. METHODS AND RESULTS: The occurrence of EPF isolated from various maize production regions in Xinjiang was investigated. Of 13,864 O. furnacalis cadavers surveyed, 536 were selected, and of 136 fungal specimens collected, 14 species were identified. Four fungal isolates were highly pathogenic to O. furnacalis: Aspergillus sp., Lecanicillium attenuatum, Beauveria bassiana and Penicillium polonicum. The Aspergillus sp. was the most abundant (42.25% distribution frequency). Bioassay results revealed that it was as pathogenic as B. bassiana (positive control), with 96.58% lethality against O. furnacalis (LC50 : 1.40 × 104 conidia ml-1 , LT50 : 3.41 days). Through morphological examination and rDNA-benA and rDNA-CaM homogeneity analyses, the isolate was identified as Aspergillus nomius. CONCLUSIONS: Four EPF species were highly pathogenic, with A. nomius being the most prevalent in Xinjiang. A. nomius is a potential biocontrol agent. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: For sustainable prevention and control of O. furnacalis infestation, identifying biocontrol agents with high virulence against O. furnacalis is crucial. The findings of this study support the development of EPF-based biocontrol approaches.

Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Immune, and Serum Biochemical Response in Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 on the growth performance, carcass traits, immune response, and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 396 1 day old, mixed-sex commercial Ross 308 broilers with similar body weights were allotted into six treatment groups. The assigned groups were the CON group (basal diet with no supplement), AB (antibiotics) group (basal diet + 150 mg of aureomycin/kg), C+M group (basal diet + 5 × 108 CFU/kg B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 powder with vegetative cells + metabolites), C group (basal diet + 5 × 108 CFU/kg B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 vegetative cell powder with removed metabolites), M group (basal diet + 5 × 108 CFU/kg B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 metabolite powder with removed vegetative cells), and CICC group (basal diet + 5 × 108 CFU/kg Bacillus subtilis CICC 20179). Results indicated that chickens in the C+M, C, and M groups had higher body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p = 0.02) compared to the CON group. The C+M group showed the lowest abdominal fat rate compared to those in the CON, AB, and CICC groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum IgA and IgG levels in the C+M, C, and M groups significantly increased while declining in the AB group (p < 0.05). B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 supplementation significantly reduced the serum triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine levels, while increasing the serum glucose and total protein (p < 0.05). In conclusion, B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 significantly improved the growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, and blood chemical indices of broiler chickens and may be used as an efficient broiler feed supplement.

Litoribacter populi sp. nov., isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, and orange-pigmented bacterium, designated XAAS-A1T, was isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest. The main respiratory quinone of XAAS-A1T is MK-7, and the principal cellular fatty acids are iso-C15:0, C17:1 ω6c, Iso-C17:0 3OH, and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c). The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and two unidentified lipids. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that XAAS-A1T belongs to the genus Litoribacter within the family Cyclobacteriaceae, having the highest sequence similarities to Litoribacter ruber KCTC 22899T (97.1%) and L. alkaliphilus KCTC 32217T (96.9%). XAAS-A1T has a DNA G + C content of 42.1 mol%. The orthoANI and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were markedly lower than the recommended threshold values of 96% and 70%. Phenotypic and genotypic data suggest that XAAS-A1T represents a novel species of the genus Litoribacter, for which we propose the name Litoribacter populi sp. nov. and XAAS-A1T (= CCTCC AB 2017159T = KCTC 62045T) as the type strain.

Pontibacter silvestris sp. nov., isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest and emended description of the genus Pontibacter.

Strain XAAS-R86T, a Gram-stain-negative, short rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, was isolated from a Populus euphratica forest near the city of Hotan, Xinjiang, PR China. The cells were found to be positive for catalase and oxidase activities. Growth occurred optimally at 28-30 °C, pH 7.0-7.5 and in the presence of 0.5-2.0 % NaCl (w/v). The results of phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that XAAS-R86T represents a member of the genus Pontibacter within the family Hymenobacteraceae. Pontibacter akesuensis CCTCC AB 206086T is the most closely related species with a validly published name, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence identity (95.7 %). The DNA G+C content of the strain is 43.9 mol%. The main respiratory quinone is MK-7 and the major cellular fatty acids are summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1B) and iso-C15 : 0 and its major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. On the basis of the results of tests performed using a polyphasic approach, XAAS-R86T represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibactersilvestris sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain XAAS-R86T (=CCTCC AB 2017165T=KCTC 62047T).

Limoniibacter endophyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from the roots of Limonium otolepis.

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated as strain YIM 690229T, was isolated from the roots of Limonium otolepis. The strain was able to grow at 10-40 °C (optimum, 28-37 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, 7.0) and in the presence of up to 7% NaCl (w/v) (optimum, up to 2.5%). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain YIM 690229T shared less than 93.9% sequence similarities with members within the order Rhizobiales, and was remotely related to members of the family Hyphomicrobiaceae. Strain YIM 690229T was characterized by the presence of Q-10 as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone. The major fatty acids (> 10%) detected were C18:1 ω7c, C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and summed feature 4 (iso-C17:1 I and/or anteiso-C17:1 B). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanoamine and two unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G + C content was 57.2 mol%. Data from this polyphasic taxonomy study suggested that strain YIM 690229T should be classified as a new species of a new genus within the family Hyphomicrobiaceae for which the name Limoniibacter endophyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type species of the genus Limoniibacter gen. nov. is Limoniibacter endophyticus. The type strain of the species Limoniibacter endophyticus sp. nov. is YIM 690229T (= KCTC 42097T = JCM 30141T = CCTCC AB 2014130T = CGMCC 1.12906T).

Pontibacter brevis sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Tamarix ramosissima.

A Gram-stain-negative, oval-shaped and light pink pigmented bacterium, designated XAAS-2T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Tamarix ramosissima. The sole respiratory quinone of the type strain XAAS-2T was MK-7, and the principal cellular fatty acids were summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B) and iso-C15 : 0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain XAAS-2T belonged to the genus Pontibacter within the family Cytophagaceae with sequence similarities of 93.9-97.1 % to other type species of the genus Pontibacter and to Pontibacter xinjiangensis CCTCC AB 207200T as the closest neighbour. The DNA G+C content of strain XAAS-2T was 50.6 mol%. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness of XAAS-2T and P. xinjiangensis CCTCC AB 207200T was 47.5 % (sd=3.27). Phenotypic and genotypic data suggested that strain XAAS-2T represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacterbrevis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain XAAS-2T (=CCTCC AB 2016135T=JCM 31443T).

Streptomyces caldifontis sp. nov., isolated from a hot water spring of Tatta Pani, Kotli, Pakistan.

A Gram-staining positive, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase positive and oxidase negative bacterium, designated NCCP-1331T, was isolated from a hot water spring soil collected from Tatta Pani, Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The isolate grew at a temperature range of 18-40 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum 7.0) and with 0-6 % NaCl (optimum 2 % NaCl (w/v)). The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain NCCP-1331T belonged to the genus Streptomyces and is closely related to Streptomyces brevispora BK160T with 97.9 % nucleotide similarity, followed by Streptomyces drosdowiczii NRRL B-24297T with 97.8 % nucleotide similarity. The DNA-DNA relatedness values of strain NCCP-1331T with S. brevispora KACC 21093T and S. drosdowiczii CBMAI 0498T were 42.7 and 34.7 %, respectively. LL-DAP was detected as diagnostic amino acid along with alanine, glycine, leucine and glutamic acid. The isolate contained MK-9(H8) as the predominant menaquinone. Major polar lipids detected in NCCP-1331T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and unidentified phospholipids. Major fatty acids were iso-C16: 0, summed feature 8 (18:1 ω7c/18:1 ω6c), anteiso-C15:0 and C16:0. The genomic DNA G + C content was 69.8 mol %. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, it is concluded that strain NCCP-1331T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces caldifontis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NCCP-1331T (=KCTC 39537T = CPCC 204147T).

Pontibacter aydingkolensis sp. nov., isolated from soil of a salt lake.

A Gram-stain-negative, short rod-shaped and light-red-pigmented bacterium, designated XAAS-1T, was isolated from the soil of Aydingkol Lake near the Turpan City, Xinjiang, China. The isolate was positive for oxidase, catalase and hydrolysis of starch, casein, gelatin and aesculin. The sole respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the principal cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and C15 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified polar lipids. The polyamine pattern was found to contain mainly sym-homospermidine. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain XAAS-1T belongs to the genus Pontibacter in the family Cytophagaceae, with sequence similarities ranging from 93.8 to 96.7 % with other type species of the genus Pontibacter. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain XAAS-1T represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter aydingkolensis sp. nov. (type strain XAAS-1T=CCTCC AB 2016134T=JCM 31442T) is proposed.

Phytoactinopolyspora endophytica gen. nov., sp. nov., a halotolerant filamentous actinomycete isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis F.

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain EGI 60009T, was isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis F. collected from Xinjiang Province, north-west China. The isolate was able to grow in the presence of 0-9% (w/v) NaCl. Strain EGI 60009T had particular morphological properties: the substrate mycelia fragmented into rod-like elements and aerial mycelia differentiated into short spore chains. ll-2, 6-Diaminopimelic acid was the cell-wall diamino acid and rhamnose, galactose and glucose were the cell-wall sugars. MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids of strain EGI 60009T were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 1 and I/anteiso-C17 : 0 B. Mycolic acids were absent. The DNA G+C content of strain EGI 60009T was 70.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain EGI 60009T belongs to the family Jiangellaceae and formed a distinct clade in the phylogenetic tree. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain EGI 60009T and other members of the genera Jiangella and Haloactinopolyspora were 96.1-96.4 and 95.7-96.0%, respectively. Based on these results and supported by morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic data and numerous phenotypic differences, a novel species of a new genus, Phytoactinopolyspora endophytica gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Phytoactinopolyspora endophytica is EGI 60009T ( = KCTC 29657T = CPCC204078T).

Paenibacillus wulumuqiensis sp. nov. and Paenibacillus dauci sp. nov., two novel species of the genus Paenibacillus.

Two Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, motile, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria, designated strains Y24(T) and H9(T) were isolated from cold spring and carrot (Daucus L.) samples, respectively, in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, north-western China. The taxonomic positions of the two new isolates were determined by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA-DNA hybridizations showed that strains Y24(T) and H9(T) were two different novel species belonging to the genus Paenibacillus, with Paenibacillus hunanensis FeL05(T) as their closest relative. The genomic DNA G + C contents of the two isolates Y24(T) and H9(T) were 48.1 and 46.6 mol %, respectively. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was both as MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C15:0. The polar lipid profiles consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two glycolipids as the major components. On the basis of their phenotypic characteristics, the two isolates represent two different novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the names Paenibacillus wulumuqiensis sp. nov. (type strain Y24(T) = CPCC 100602(T) = JCM 30284(T)) and Paenibacillus dauci sp. nov. (type strain H9(T) = CPCC 100608(T) = JCM 30283(T)) are proposed.

Rhizobium tarimense sp. nov., isolated from soil in the ancient Khiyik River.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, pale-yellow, rod-shaped bacterial strain, PL-41(T), was isolated from Populus euphratica forest soil at the ancient Khiyik River valley in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. Strain PL-41(T) grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.0-8.0. The major quinone was Q-10. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain PL-41(T) were summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. Polar lipids of strain PL-41(T) include two unidentified aminophospholipids (APL1, 2), two unidentified phospholipids (PL1, 2), phosphatidylcholine and three unidentified lipids (L1-3). Strain PL-41(T) showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.0-97.5 % to the type strains of recognized species of the genus Rhizobium. Phylogenetic analysis of strain PL-41(T) based on the sequences of housekeeping genes recA and atpD confirmed (similarities are less than 90 %) its position as a distinct species of the genus Rhizobium. The DNA G+C content was 57.8 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain PL-41(T) and the type strains of Rhizobium huautlense S02(T), Rhizobium alkalisoli CCBAU 01393(T), Rhizobium vignae CCBAU 05176(T) and Rhizobium loessense CCBAU 7190B(T) were 33.4, 22.6, 25.5 and 45.1 %, respectively, indicating that strain PL-41(T) was distinct from them genetically. Strain PL-41(T) also can be differentiated from these four phylogenetically related species of the genus Rhizobium by various phenotypic properties. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogenetic distinctiveness and genetic data, strain PL-41(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Rhizobium, for which the name Rhizobium tarimense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PL-41(T) ( = CCTCC AB 2011011(T) = NRRL B-59556(T)).

[Phylogenetic diversity of culturable endophytic bacteria isolated from the Populus euphratica at the disused ancient Ugan river].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the culturable endophytic bacteria recovered from the Populus euphratica at the disused (122 years ago) ancient Ugan river of middle reachs of Tarim river, and to understand their Phylogenetic diversity and community structure. METHODS: Bacteria were isolated from the storage liquid in the stem of 2 Populus euphratica stands by using 3 types of different cultural medium (Luria-Bertani, Trypticase Soy Agar and Nutrient Agar), followed carry out 16S rDNA identifications and analysis of their biodiversity. RESULTS: A total of 62 phenotypically different isolates were sequenced and according to their 16S rDNA sequence similarities to type strains of described organisms, they have been placed into four phylogenetic groups (1, Firmicutes; 2, Actinobacteria; 3, Alpha Proteobacteria and 4, Gamma Proteobacteria), 18 genera and 32 species. Among them, Bacillus and pseudomonas were the most widely distributed and predominant, occupied the majority of isolates 40.32% and 16.13%, respectively. Isolate KTH-63 (HM371419) formed a distinct clade with Macrococcus brunensis in phylogenetic tree based on 16S rDNA sequence among the family Staphylococcaceae, so it was demonstrated that the KTH-63 represents a potential novel genus and novel species within the family Staphylococcaceae with 92.491% sequence similarity with the described species Macrococcus brunensis of this family. Isolates KLH-1, KLH-21, KLH-18, KLH-25, KNA-3, KTH-8, KTH-14, KTH-20 and KNA-26 with 96.089% - 97.769% sequence similarities to their closely related members were presumed to be potential novel species, and the discovery rate of potential novel species in the endophytic bacterial community of Populus euphratica was reach up to 16.13%. Furthermore, 10 genera and 18 species have been added to the plant endophytic bacterial categoria by the data obtained in this work. CONCLUSION: The result showed that the cultivable endophytic bacterial diversity in Populus euphratica at Ugan river was very abundant and have high percentage of potential novel species, and it have greatly refreshed the plant endophytic bacterial records. The community structure obtained in this study also may be presumed as a miniature of the endophytic bacterial flora in the Populus euphratica during the recent ages before the affect of modern civilization prossessing to Tarim river valley, which deserve further study and exploitation.

Sphingobacterium shayense sp. nov., isolated from forest soil.

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-coloured, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated HS39(T), isolated from a soil sample collected from a natural Populus euphratica forest in Xinjiang, China, was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The isolate grew optimally at 30-37 °C, at pH 6.5-8.0 and with 0-3 % NaCl. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain HS39(T) revealed that it is a member of the genus Sphingobacterium. Sphingobacterium mizutaii ATCC 33299(T) was the nearest relative (94.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.2 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. On the basis of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain HS39(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium shayense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HS39(T) (=CCTCC AB 209006(T) =NRRL B-59203(T)).