Jiella sonneratiae sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from bark of Sonneratia apetala.

A new endophytic bacterium, designated strain MQZ13P-4T was isolated from Sonneratia apetala collected from Maowei sea Mangrove Nature Reserve in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain MQZ13P-4T and its closest phylogenetic neighbour Jiella endophytica CBS5Q-3T was 97.9 %. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences and whole-genome sequences showed that strain MQZ13P-4T formed a distinct lineage with Jiella endophytica CBS5Q-3T, Jiella pacifica 40Bstr34T and Jiella aquimaris JCM 30119T. The draft genome of strain MQZ13P-4T was 5 153 243 bp in size and its DNA G+C content was 68.1 mol%. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values among strain MQZ13P-4T and other related species were below the cut-off levels of 95, 70 and 95.5 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MQZ13P-4T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The respiratory quinone was Q-10. The major cellular fatty acid was C18 : 1 ω7c. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. Strain MQZ13P-4T had a typical chemical compositions of fatty acids, lipids, quinones and diagnostic diamino acid for Jiella species, but could be distinguished from known species of the genus Jiella. Based on polyphasic evidence, strain MQZ13P-4T represents novel species of the genus Jiella, for which the name Jiella sonneratiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MQZ13P-4T (=CGMCC 1.18727T=JCM 34333T).

Pseudooceanicola endophyticus sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from bark Aegiceras corniculatum.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short-rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CBS1P-1T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized bark of Aegiceras corniculatum. Growth of strain CBS1P-1T was observed with between 0 and 12.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally with 5.0 %) and at between pH 6.0-9.0. It grew at temperatures between 25-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C). Chemotaxonomic analysis showed that ubiquinone-10 was the respiratory quinone. The lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminolipid. The major fatty acids of strain CBS1P-1T were C18 : 1 ω7c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBS1P-1T was most related to Pseudooceanicola antarcticus CGMCC 1.12662T with a sequence similarity of 96.5 %. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CBS1P-1T and P. antarcticus 1.12662T were 77.5 and 21.1 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 67.3 mol%. Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain CBS1P-1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pseudooceanicola, for which the name Pseudooceanicola endophyticus is proposed. The type strain is CBS1P-1T (=KCTC 62836T=CGMCC 1.13743T).

Phycicoccus flavus sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from branch of Kandelia candel.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-endospore-forming and rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated strain CMS6Z-2T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized branch of Kandelia candel collected from the Maowei Sea, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. Strain CMS6Z-2T grew at 10-37 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-10.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-1.0 %). Strain CMS6Z-2T possessed meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid of the peptidoglycan and MK-8 (H4) as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω9c. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and two unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 74.1 mol%. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed that strain CMS6Z-2T should be assigned to the genus Phycicoccus and its closest relative was Phycicoccus endophyticus IP6SC6T with 98.3 % similarity. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenomic analysis based on core proteomes alignment revealed that strain CMS6Z-2T belonged to the genus Phycicoccus and formed a robust cluster with Phycicoccus endophyticus IP6SC6T within the genus Phycicoccus. The average nucleotide identity value and estimated digital DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain CMS6Z-2T and the type strain of Phycicoccus endophyticus were 81.5 and 23.9 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain CMS6Z-2T represents a novel species of the genus Phycicoccus, for which the name Phycicoccus flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CMS6Z-2T (=KCTC 49240T=CGMCC4.7549T).

Brachybacterium halotolerans sp. nov., a halotolerant, endophytic actinomycete isolated from branch of Bruguiera gymnoirhiza.

A novel, aerobic, moderately halophilic Gram-positive actinomycete, strain MASK1Z-5T was isolated from a surface-sterilized branch of Bruguiera gymnoirhiza in Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain MASK1Z-5T tolerated up to 20% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0-7%), and grew at pH 5.0-12.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0), 20-37 °C (optimum 30 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MASK1Z-5T belonged to the genus Brachybacterium, and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.0% to B. endophyticum M1HQ-2T. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid. MK-7 was the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and three unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The DNA G + C content was calculated to be 71.8 mol% based on the whole genome sequence. The estimated values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) based on whole genome sequences between strain MASK1Z-5T and B. endophyticum M1HQ-2T were 81.8% and 25.0%, respectively. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic properties clearly indicated that strain MASK1Z-5T represents a novel species within the genus Brachybacterium, for which the name Brachybacterium halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MASK1Z-5T (= CGMCC1.18660T = JCM 34339T).

Phycicoccus avicenniae sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinomycete isolated from a branch of Avicennia mariana.

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain BSK3Z-2 T, was isolated from a surface-sterilised branch of Avicennia mariana from Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain positive, aerobic, asporogenous and rod-shaped. Strain BSK3Z-2 T was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BSK3Z-2 T belongs to the genus Phycicoccus and has high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.1% with Phycicoccus endophyticus IP6SC6T. Phylogenetic analysis based on the genome of strain BSK3Z-2 T was performed by extracting and aligning 39 conserved proteins and 88 housekeeping genes, which further confirmed the phylogenetic assignment of strain BSK3Z-2 T. The draft genome of strain BSK3Z-2 T is 3.54 Mbp with a DNA G + C content of 73.8%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain BSK3Z-2 T and species of genus Phycicoccus were 73.8-85.6%, 64.5-75.9% and 19.5-23.8%, respectively, which are below the standard cut-off values for bacterial species delineation. Strain BSK3Z-2 T contains MK-8(H4) as the dominant menaquinone. The cell wall peptidoglycan contains meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipids profile of strain BSK3Z-2 T was found to contain diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant fatty acids were identified as C15:0, C17:0, iso-C16:0 and C17:1ω8c. Comparing the phenotypic and phylogenetic features of the strain BSK3Z-2 T and related taxa, strain BSK3Z-2 T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Phycicoccus, for which the name Phycicoccus avicenniae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BSK3Z-2 T (= CGMCC 1.18743 T = JCM 34335 T).

Ectobacillus aegiceratis sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from branch of Aegiceras corniculatum.

A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, endospore-forming, rod-shaped and aerobic bacterium was isolated from surface-sterilized branch of Aegiceras corniculatum in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The isolate, designated strain 165T, grew at 20-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-7.0 (optimum, 6.0) and with 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1 %). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. On the basis of 16 S rRNA gene sequence and multiple genes of conserved core proteins analysis, strain 165T was a member of the genus Ectobacillus. Its closest phylogenetic neighbor was Ectobacillus panaciterrae Gsoil 1517T, with sequence similarity of 97.1 %. The average nucleotide identity value between strain 165T and type strain of Ectobacillus panaciterrae was 73.0 %. The estimated DDH value between strain 165T and type strain of Ectobacillus panaciterrae was 19.7 %. The genome of strain 165T was 3, 545, 051 bp long with a DNA G + C content of 38.2 % and encodes 3459 predicted proteins, 25 rRNAs, 87 tRNAs and 5 ncRNA. The genome of strain 165T comprised gene clusters of type 3 PKS, terpene, betalactone and lanthipeptide-class-ii for secondary metabolites. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses supported the strain 165T as a representative of a novel species of the genus Ectobacillus, for which the name Ectobacillus aegiceratis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain 165T (= JCM 33,414T = CGMCC 1.13742T) as the type strain.

Jiella mangrovi sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from leaf of Rhizophora stylosa.

A Gram-stain negative, non-motile, brilliant yellow and non-spore forming, coccoid- or short rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain KSK16Y-1T, was isolated from surface-sterilised leaf of Rhizophora stylosa collected from Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Genome of strain KSK16Y-1T is 4.93 Mb with 68.1% DNA G + C content and encoded 4359 predicted proteins, 4 rRNAs, 45 tRNAs and 4 ncRNA. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain KSK16Y-1T has 98.1%, 97.9% and 96.9% 16S rRNA gene similarities with Jiella aquimaris JCM 30119T, J. endophytica CBS5Q-3T and J. pacifica 40Bstr34T, respectively. Whole-genome comparisons between strain KSK16Y-1T and J. aquimaris 22II-16-19i, J. endophytica CBS5Q-3T, J. pacifica 40Bstr34T, using average nucleotide identity (ANI) values (< 82.0%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values (< 25.1%), confirmed low genome relatedness. Strain KSK16Y-1T grew at 20-30 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and with 0-10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2%). Cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the major fatty acid was C18:1ω7c. The polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, one unknown phospholipid, one unknown aminolipid, one unknown aminophospholipid and four unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone is ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The polyphasic characterization indicated that strain KSK16Y-1T represents a novel Jiella species. The name Jiella mangrovi sp. nov., type strain KSK16Y-1T (= CGMCC 1.18745T = JCM 34332T) is proposed.

Nocardioides acrostichi sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from leaf of Acrostichum aureum.

A short-rod-shaped, non-spore-forming endophytic actinobacterium, was isolated from a surface-sterilized leaf of Acrostichum aureum in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, designated strain CBS4Y-1T and examined by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. This actinobacterium was Gram-staining-positive and aerobic. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not observed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Strain CBS4Y-1T grew optimally with 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl at 30 °C, pH 7.0-8.0. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed that strain CBS4Y-1T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Nocardioides marinus CL-DD14T (96.7%) and Nocardioides terrae BX5-10T (96.7%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenomic analysis based on core proteomes alignment revealed that strain CBS4Y-1T belonged to the genus Nocardioides and formed a distinct cluster within the genus Nocardioides. The DNA G + C content of strain CBS4Y-1T was 71.1 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained LL-diaminopimelic acid and MK-8(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylinositol (PI) were detected in the polar lipid extracts. The major fatty acids were iso-C16:0, C18:1ω9c and iso-C17:0. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain CBS4Y-1T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides acrostichi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBS4Y-1T (= KCTC 49238T = CGMCC 4.7548T).

Aeromicrobium endophyticum sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from bark of Melia azedaeach L.

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming actinobacterium, designated strain M2KJ-4T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized bark of Melia azedaeach L. collected from Xinpu in Guizhou, PR China and characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. M2KJ-4T grew optimally with 1 % (w/v) NaCl at 25 °C and pH 8.0. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that M2KJ-4Trepresented a member of the genus Aeromicrobium and shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Aeromicrobium fastidiosum DSM 10552T (Z78209) (98.95 %). The DNA G+C content of M2KJ-4T was 70.6 mol%. The average nucleotide identity value and estimated DDH value between M2KJ-4T and the type strain of A. fastidiosum were 86.1 % and 30.2 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid and MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified phospholipids and unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, 10-methyl C18 : 0, C16 : 0 2-OH and C18 : 1ω9c. On the basis of the results from phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain M2KJ-4T represents a novel species of the genus Aeromicrobium, for which the name Aeromicrobium endophyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2KJ-4T (=KCTC 49174T=CGMCC 1.13666T).

Microbacterium excoecariae sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from bark of Excoecaria agallocha Linn.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinobacterium, designated strain CBS5P-1T, was isolated from bark of Excoecaria agallocha Linn collected from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. Cells were short rods. Colonies were light yellow, circular and had entire margins. Strain CBS5P-1T grew at 10-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 6.0-12.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0). Its nearest phylogenetic neighbour was Microbacterium amylolyticum DSM 24221T with 97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBS5P-1T was 71.8 mol%. Anteiso-C15  : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16:0 were predominant cellular fatty acids. Major menaquinones were MK-11 and MK-10. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified phospholipid. The combination of chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and phenotypic data clearly distinguished strain CBS5P-1T from its phylogenetic neighbour. Accordingly, the name Microbacterium excoecariae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate this new member of the genus Microbacterium. The type strain is CBS5P-1T (=KCTC 49239T=CGMCC 1.13862T).

Bacillus taxi sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from root of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd.

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain M5HDSG1-1T, was originally isolated from a surface-sterilized root of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. in Guizhou, PR China. This bacterium was tested by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. A 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that M5HDSG1-1T had the greatest similarity to the type strain of Bacillus nealsonii DSM 15077T (99.1 %). The average nucleotide identity values between M5HDSG1-1T and Bacillus nealsonii DSM 15077T and Bacillus circulans NBRC 13626T were 73.3 and 72.8 %, respectively. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between M5HDSG1-1T and Bacillus nealsonii DSM 15077T and Bacillus circulans NBRC 13626T were 20.1 and 20.6 %, respectively, which were below the recommended thresholds. M5HDSG1-1T grew at a pH range of 6.0-12.0 (optimum, 7.0-8.0), at temperatures between 10 and 45 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1 %). Neither substrate nor aerial mycelia was formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 37.5 mol%. According to the phylogeneic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, M5HDSG1-1T was clearly distinguishable from other species with validly published names in the genus Bacillus and should therefore be classified as representing a novel species, and we suggest the name Bacillus taxi sp. nov. The type strain is M5HDSG1-1T (=JCM 33117T=CGMCC 1.13668T).

Nakamurella flava sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from Mentha haplocalyx Briq.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, coccus-shaped, non-spore-forming actinobacterium, designated strain N5BH11T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized sample of Mentha haplocalyx Briq. collected from Guizhou, PR China and tested by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain N5BH11T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 6.0-7.0. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence suggested that strain N5BH11T belonged to the genus Nakamurella and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Nakamurella flavida DS-52T (98.1 %). The DNA G+C content of strain N5BH11T was 71.6 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values between strain N5BH11T and the type strains of Nakamurella panacisegetis, Nakamurella multipartita and Nakamurella lactea were 74.0, 76.5 and 73.6 %, respectively. The estimated DDH values between strain N5BH11T and the type strains of N. panacisegetis, N. multipartita and N. lactea were 20.3%, 21.4 and 20.2 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, and MK-8(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c. On the basis of the results of phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain N5BH11T represents a novel species of the genus Nakamurella, for which the name Nakamurella flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N5BH11T (=KCTC 49196T=CGMCC 4.7524T).

Paenibacillus thalictri sp. nov., isolated from surface-sterilized tissue of Thalictrum simplex L.

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain N2SHLJ1T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized tissue sample of Thalictrum simplex L. in Guizhou, PR China. To determine the bacterium's taxonomic position, it was characterized by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested that strain N2SHLJ1T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus and is most closely to Paenibacillus aestuarii CJ25T (94.7 % similarity). Strain N2SHLJ1T grew at 10-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), in 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %) and in pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, 7.0). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 50.8 mol%. Based on the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain N2SHLJ1T was clearly distinguished from other species with validly published names in the genus Paenibacillus and should therefore be designated as a novel species, for which the name Paenibacillus thalictri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N2SHLJ1T (=JCM 33293T=CGMCC 1.13865T).

Aureimonas flava sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from leaf of Acrostichum aureum.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, coccus-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated M2BS4Y-1T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized leaf of Acrostichum aureum collected from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain M2BS4Y-1T grew optimally with 1 % (w/v) NaCl, at 30 °C and at pH 7.0-8.0. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain M2BS4Y-1T was most closely related to species of the genus Aureimonas, and shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.79 % to Aureimonas phyllosphaerae DSM 25026T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values between strain M2BS4Y-1T and A.phyllosphaerae DSM 25026T were 83.7 % and 26.5 %, respectively. The ANI and DDH values were below the recommended thresholds. The DNA G+C content of strain M2BS4Y-1T was 70.0 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminobutyric acid and ubiquinone Q-10 was the respiratory lipoquinone. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, two unknown aminolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified lipids, while the major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotyptic data, strain M2BS4Y-1T can be characterized to represent a novel species of the genus Aureimonas, for which the name Aureimonas flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2BS4Y-1T (=KCTC 62837T=CGMCC 1.13747T).

Cohnella endophytica sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from bark of Sonneratia apetala.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain M2MS4P-1T, was isolated from surface-sterilized bark of Sonneratiaapetala sampled in Guangxi, China. The bacterium was characterized by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain M2MS4P-1T belonged to the genus Cohnella and was most closely to Cohnella luojiensis HY-22RT (98.4 % similarity). The average nucleotide identity value and estimated DDH value between strain M2MS4P-1T and the type strain of C. luojiensis HY-22RT were 79.2 and 20.1 %, respectively. Neither substrate nor aerial mycelia were formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Strain M2MS4P-1T grew in the pH range 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0), at temperatures between 10-37 °C (30 °C) and in 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl (0 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone in strain M2MS4P-1T was menaquinone-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified aminophospholipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 51.5 mol%. According to the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic evidence, strain M2MS4P-1T was clearly distinguishable from other species with validly published names in the genus Cohnella and should therefore be classified as a novel species, for which we suggest the name Cohnellaendophytica sp. nov. The type strain is M2MS4P-1T (=KCTC 43011T=CGMCC 1.13745T).

Kocuria soli sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from soil.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, coccoid-shaped, non-spore-forming actinobacterial strain, designated M5W7-7T, was isolated from a hot spring soil sample collected from Anshan, Liaoning province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain M5W7-7T clustered closely with species of the genus Kocuria, and showed the highest sequence similarity of 97.1 % to Kocuria subflava YIM 13062T. Strain M5W7-7T grew at 10-37 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH6.0-11.0 (pH 6.0-7.0) and in the presence of 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (0 %). Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and diffusible pigments were not observed on any media tested. Strain M5W7-7T contained MK-6(H2) and MK-7(H2) as the dominant menaquinones. The polar lipid profile of strain M5W7-7T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The predominant whole-cell sugars were galactose and glucose. The predominant fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain M5W7-7T was 67.0 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic relationships, phenotypic characterization and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain M5W7-7T represents a novel species of the genus Kocuria, for which the name Kocuriasoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M5W7-7T (=KCTC 49195T =CGMCC 1.13744T).

Amnibacterium flavum sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from bark of Nerium indicum Mill.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, short-rod-shaped, non-spore-forming actinobacterial strain, designated M8JJ-5T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized bark of Neriumindicum Mill. collected from Guizhou, China, and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain M8JJ-5T grew optimally without NaCl at 28 °C and at pH 7.0-8.0. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain M8JJ-5T was most closely related to the type strains of genus Amnibacterium, and shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.29 % to Amnibacterium kyonggiense KSL51201-037T. The DNA G+C content of strain M8JJ-5T was 68.6 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained l-2,4-diaminobutyric acid and MK-12, MK-11 were the major menaquinones. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid, while the major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain M8JJ-5T can be characterized to represent a novel species of the genus Amnibacterium, for which the name Amnibacteriumflavum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M8JJ-5T (=KCTC 49089T=CGMCC 1.16390T).

Notoacmeibacter ruber sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from leaf of Rhizophora stylosa.

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, coccus-shaped bacterium, designated strain M2BS9Y-3-1T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized leaf of Rhizophora stylosa. It grew in the pH range 5.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0) and at temperatures between 20 and 37 °C (optimum, 30 °C). Growth was possible at concentrations of 1-10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain M2BS9Y-3-1T clustered together with Notoacmeibacter marinus XMTR2A4T (98.44% similarity) and separated from other species of the family Notoacmeibacteraceae. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain M2BS9Y-3-1T and N. marinus XMTR2A4T were 76.8%, 19.8%, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 60.0 mol%. The cell wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminobutyric acid and ubiquinone Q-10 was the respiratory lipoquinone. The major fatty acid was C18:1ω7c. The lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified lipids. The results of taxonomic analysis suggested that strain M2BS9Y-3-1T represents a novel species of the genus Notoacmeibacter for which the name Notoacmeibacter ruber sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2BS9Y-3-1T (KCTC 62838T = CGMCC 1.13746T).

Jiella endophytica sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from root of Ficus microcarpa Linn. f.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, short rodshaped, asporogenous bacterium, designated CBS5Q-3T, was isolated from a surface-sterilised root of Ficus microcarpa Linn. f. collected from Guangxi, China and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain CBS5Q-3T was found to grow optimally with 2% (w/v) NaCl at 30 °C, pH 7.0-8.0. Substrate mycelia and aerial mycelia were not formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBS5Q-3T is closely related to species of genus Jiella and shares high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.1% with Jiella aquimaris JCM 30119T. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CBS5Q-3T and J. aquimaris JCM 30119T were 82.8% and 26.0%, respectively. The DNA G + C content of strain CBS5Q-3T was determined to be 66.5 mol %. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and ubiquinone Q-10 identified as the respiratory lipoquinone. The polar lipids were found to be comprised of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and three unidentified aminolipids, while the major fatty acids were identified as C18:1ω7c and cyclo-C19:0ω8c. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain CBS5Q-3T can be concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Jiella, for which the name Jiella endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBS5Q-3T (= JCM 33167T = CGMCC 1.13863T).

Paenibacillus paeoniae sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from leaf of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain M4BSY-1T, was originally isolated from a surface-sterilized leaf of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. in Guizhou, China. The bacterium was characterized by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain M4BSY-1T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus and most closely to Paenibacilluspinioli NB5T (98.31 % similarity). Neither substrate nor aerial mycelia formed, and no diffusible pigments were observed on the media tested. Strain M4BSY-1T grew in the pH range 7.0-13.0 (optimum, 7.0-8.0), at temperatures between 10-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1-2 %). The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified unknown aminophospholipids and three unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 48.8 mol%. According to the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic evidence, strain M4BSY-1T was clearly distinguishable from other species with validly published names in the genus Paenibacillus and should therefore be classified as a novel species, and we suggest the name Paenibacillus paeoniae sp. nov. The type strain is M4BSY-1T (=KCTC 33997T=CGMCC 1.13667T).