Rhodoferax potami sp. nov. and Rhodoferax mekongensis sp. nov., isolated from the Mekong River in Thailand

Four newly discovered Gram-stain-negative bacteria, designated as BL00010T, BL00058, D8-11T and BL00200, were isolated from water samples collected at three hydrological monitoring stations (namely Chiang Saen, Chiang Khan and Nong Khai) located along the Mekong River in Thailand. An investigation encompassing phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic traits was conducted. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that all four isolates represented members of the genus Rhodoferax. These isolates were closely related to Rhodoferax bucti KCTC 62564T with a similarity of 99.59%. The major fatty acids of the four novel isolates included C16:0 and C16:1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, whereas the major respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone Q-8. In addition, phosphatidylethanolamine was identified as a major polar lipid in these bacteria. The genomes of BL00010T, BL00058, D8-11T and BL00200 were similar in size (3.88-4.01 Mbp) and DNA G+C contents (59.5, 59.3, 59.5 and 59.3 mol%, respectively). In contrast to R. bucti KCTC 62564T and Rhodoferax aquaticus KCTC 32394T, the newly discovered species possessed several genes involved in nitrite and nitrile metabolism, which may be related to their unique adaptation to nitrile-rich environments. From the results of the pairwise analysis of average nucleotide identity of the whole genome and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation, it was evident that BL00010T and D8-11T represented two novel species, for which we propose the nomenclature Rhodoferax potami sp. nov., with the type strain BL00010T (TBRC 17198T = NBRC 116413T), and Rhodoferax mekongensis sp. nov., with the type strain D8-11T (TBRC 17307T = NBRC 116415T).

Comparative genomics reveals insight into the phylogeny and habitat adaptation of novel Amycolatopsis species, an endophytic actinomycete associated with scab lesions on potato tubers

A novel endophytic actinomycete, strain MEP2-6T, was isolated from scab tissues of potato tubers collected from Mae Fag Mai Sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Strain MEP2-6T is a gram-positive filamentous bacteria characterized by meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell wall peptidoglycan and arabinose, galactose, glucose, and ribose in whole-cell hydrolysates. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine were the major phospholipids, of which MK-9(H6) was the predominant menaquinone, whereas iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0 were the major cellular fatty acids. The genome of the strain was 10,277,369 bp in size with a G + C content of 71.7%. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic and core phylogenomic analyses revealed that strain MEP2-6T was closely related to Amycolatopsis lexingtonensis NRRL B-24131T (99.4%), A. pretoriensis DSM 44654T (99.3%), and A. eburnea GLM-1T (98.9%). Notably, strain MEP2-6T displayed 91.7%, 91.8%, and 87% ANIb and 49%, 48.8%, and 35.4% dDDH to A. lexingtonensis DSM 44653T (=NRRL B-24131T), A. eburnea GLM-1T, and A. pretoriensis DSM 44654T, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic data, strain MEP2-6T could be officially assigned to a novel species within the genus Amycolatopsis, for which the name Amycolatopsis solani sp. nov. has been proposed. The type of strain is MEP2-6T (=JCM 36309T = TBRC 17632T = NBRC 116395T). Amycolatopsis solani MEP2-6T was strongly proven to be a non-phytopathogen of potato scab disease because stunting of seedlings and necrotic lesions on potato tuber slices were not observed, and there were no core biosynthetic genes associated with the BGCs of phytotoxin-inducing scab lesions. Furthermore, comparative genomics can provide a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms that enable A. solani MEP2-6T to adapt to the plant endosphere. Importantly, the strain smBGCs accommodated 33 smBGCs encoded for several bioactive compounds, which could be beneficially applied in the fields of agriculture and medicine. Consequently, strain MEP2-6T is a promising candidate as a novel biocontrol agent and antibiotic producer.

Diversity and antimicrobial activity of the tropical ant-derived actinomycetes isolated from Thailand

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important global healthcare challenges and is responsible for the mortality of millions of people worldwide every year. It is a crisis attributed to misuse of antibiotics and a lack of new drug development. Actinomycetes constitute a group of Gram-positive bacteria known for their distinctive high guanine-cytosine (G+C) content in their genomic DNA. These microorganisms are widely recognized for their capability to generate a wide range of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. These versatile microorganisms are ubiquitous in diverse ecosystems, including soil, freshwater, marine sediments, and within the bodies of insects. A recent study has demonstrated that social insects, such as ants, host a diverse array of these bacteria. In this study, we involved the isolation and characterization of a total of 72 actinomycete strains obtained from 18 distinct ant species collected from various regions across Thailand. Utilizing 16S rRNA gene analysis, these isolated actinomycetes were classified into four distinct genera: Amycolatopsis (2 isolates), Micromonospora (1 isolate), Nocardia (8 isolates), and Streptomyces (61 isolates). Among the Streptomyces strains, 23 isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DMST 20646. Additionally, two isolates displayed antifungal activity against Candida albicans TISTR 5554. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, these two isolates, ODS25 and ODS28, were demonstrated to be closely related to Streptomyces lusitanus NBRC 13464T (98.07%) and Streptomyces haliclonae DSM 41970T (97.28%), respectively. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity below 98.65% cutoff indicates its potential as a novel actinomycete species. These findings underscore the potential of actinomycetes sourced from ants as a valuable reservoir of novel antimicrobials.

Selenomonas caprae sp. nov., an obligately anaerobic and volatile fatty acid producing bacterium from ruminal fluid of domestic goat (Capra hircus L.)

A novel Gram-stain-negative, motile, obligately anaerobic bacterium strain mPRGC8^T was isolated from the ruminal fluid of a domestic goat (Capra hircus L.) in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand. The strain grew at 20-45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and 3 % (w/v) NaCl. It produced acetate, propionate, valerate, caproate and heptanoate from glucose. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain mPRGC8^T belonged to the genus Selenomonas and was closely related to Selenomonas ruminantium subsp. ruminantium DSM 2150^T (98.0 %) and Selenomonas ruminantium subsp. lactilytica JCM 6582^T (97.9 %). The in silico DNA G+C content was 53.0 mol %. Strain mPRGC8^T showed average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average animo acid identity values with Selenomonas montiformis JCM 34373^T, S. ruminantium subsp. lactilytica JCM 6582^T and S. ruminantium subsp. ruminantium DSM 2150^T ranging from 84.9 to 86.0 %, 21.3 to 21.8 % and 73.8 to 76.1 %, respectively. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C_16 : 1  ω9c and C_18 : 1  ω9c. Phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified ninhydrin positive glycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid were detected as polar lipids. The genomic and phenotypic characteristics of strain mPRGC8^T strongly support its classification as representative of new species of the genus Selenomonas for which the name Selenomonas caprae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is mPRGC8^T (=JCM 33725^T=KCTC 25178^T).

Streptomyces antimicrobicus sp. nov., a novel clay soil-derived actinobacterium producing antimicrobials against drug-resistant bacteria

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SMC 277T, was isolated from the clay soil in paddy field of Chonburi Province, Thailand, and characterized using polyphasic taxonomy. Strain SMC 277T formed straight chains of nonmotile cylindrical spores with smooth surface developed on aerial mycelia. The typical chemotaxonomic properties of members of the genus Streptomyces were observed in strain SMC 277T, e.g., cell wall peptidoglycan, whole cell sugars, major menaquinones, cellular fatty acids, and polar lipids. Chemotaxonomic data combined with mycelium and spore morphologies supported the assignment of strain SMC 277T to the genus Streptomyces. The results of comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain SMC 277T represented a member of the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SMC 277T shared the highest sequence similarity with Streptomyces bambusae NBRC 110903T (98.8%). Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 6.55 Mbp and a digital G+C content of 73.4 mol%. In addition to the differences in phenotypic characteristics (morphology and physiology), values of ANI (ANIb and ANIm), AAI and dDDH between strain SMC 277T and its closest relative S. bambusae NBRC 110903T were 81.84, 86.77, 76.91 and 26.1%, respectively. Genome annotation and secondary metabolite gene cluster analysis predicted that SMC 277T contained 35 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. It is in agreement with observed antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria associated with nosocomial infections (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii). On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain SMC 277T can be characterized to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces antimicrobicus is proposed. The type strain is SMC 277T (= TBRC 15568T = NBRC 115422T).

Bacterial microbiome in tropical lichens and the effect of the isolation method on culturable lichen-derived actinobacteria

Ten samples of tropical lichens collected from Doi Inthanon, Thailand, were explored for the diversity of their bacterial microbiomes through 16S rRNA-based metagenomics analysis. The five predominant lichen-associated bacteria belonged to the phyla Proteobacteria (31.84%), Planctomycetota (17.08%), Actinobacteriota (15.37%), Verrucomicrobiota (12.17%), and Acidobacteriota (7.87%). The diversity analysis metric showed that Heterodermia contained the highest bacterial species richness. Within the lichens, Ramalina conduplicans and Cladonia rappii showed a distinct bacterial community from the other lichen species. The community of lichen-associated actinobacteria was investigated as a potential source of synthesized biologically active compounds. From the total Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) found across the ten different lichen samples, 13.21% were identified as actinobacteria, including the rare actinobacterial genera that are not commonly found, such as Pseudonocardia, Kineosporia, Dactylosporangium, Amycolatopsis, Actinoplanes, and Streptosporangium. Evaluation of the pretreatment method (heat, air-drying, phenol, and flooding) and isolation media used for the culture-dependent actinobacterial isolation revealed that the different pretreatments combined with different isolation media were effective in obtaining several species of actinobacteria. However, metagenomics analyses revealed that there were still several strains, including rare actinobacterial species, that were not isolated. This research strongly suggests that lichens appear to be a promising source for obtaining actinobacteria.

Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacterium with biosynthesis potential as an antibiotic producer

An endophytic actinobacterium, strain PIP175^T, was isolated from the root sample of a native apricot tree (Pittosporum angustifolium) growing on the Bedford Park campus of Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia. This strain is a Gram stain-positive, aerobic actinobacterium with well-developed substrate mycelia. Aerial mycelia rarely produce spores and the spore chain is spiral. Strain PIP175^T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces aculeolatus DSM 41644^T (99.4 %). Other closely related phylogenetic representatives include Streptomyces synnematoformans DSM 41902^T (98.3 %), Streptomyces albospinus NBRC 13846^T (97.6 %), Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi NRRL B-1220^T (97.5 %) and Streptomyces ruber NBRC 14600^T (97.4 %). The major cellular fatty acid of this strain was iso-C_16 : 0 and the major menaquinone was MK-9(H₆). The whole-cell sugar contained galactose, glucose and mannose. Chemotaxonomic data confirmed that strain PIP175^T belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity based on blast and OrthoANIu results between strain PIP175^T and S. aculeolatus DSM 41644^T were 60.0, 94.1 and 94.9 %, respectively. Genotypic and phenotypic data and genome analysis results allowed the differentiation of strain PIP175^T from its closest species with validly published names. Strain PIP175^T showed good activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 03120385. Genome mining of strain PIP175^T revealed biosynthetic genes encoding proteins relating to antibiotic production, plant growth promotion and biodegradation enzymes. The name proposed for the new species is Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov. The type strain is PIP175^T (=DSM 103379^T=TBRC 6026^T).

Antimalarial and antimicrobial substances isolated from the endophytic actinomycete, Streptomyces aculeolatus MS1-6

Seven undescribed compounds, including four naphthoquinone terpenoids (aculeolatins A - D), one rare 2-nitropyrrole terpenoid (nitropyrrolin F), and two hydroxamate siderophores (aculeolamides A and B) and one further undescribed compound (2,5,7-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethylnaphthalene-1,4-dione), together with eleven known compounds (arromycin, phenaziterpene A, nitropyrrolin A, heronapyrroles A and B, salaceyin A, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-isopropylchromone, 1-hydroxyphenazine, 1-methoxyphenazine, 1-acetyl-β-carboline, and N-(2-phenylethyl) acetamide), were isolated from the cultures of the endophytic Streptomyces aculeolatus MS1-6. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined using NMR spectroscopy and corroborated using chemical modification. These compounds exhibited a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antimalarial (IC₅₀ 6.03-9.84 μg/mL), antitubercular (MIC 3.13-6.25 μg/mL), anti-plant pathogenic fungal (MIC 25.0-50.0 μg/mL), and antibacterial (MIC 3.03-50 μg/mL) activities; however, they displayed unremarkable cytotoxicity against cancerous (MCF-7 and NCI-H187) and non-cancerous (Vero) cell lines.

Glycomyces amatae sp. nov., isolated from a yellow-ringed grass moth (Amata sperbius)

A novel mycelium-forming actinomycete strain, designated A-F 0318T, was isolated from a yellow-ringed grass moth (Amata sperbius) collected from Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. Long chains of non-motile cylindrical spores with a smooth surface developed on aerial mycelia. The polyphasic taxonomic study suggested that strain A-F 0318T belonged to the genus Glycomyces . The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain A-F 0318T was closely related to Glycomyces harbinensis LL-DO5139T with 97.94 % sequence similarity. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on blast, ANI based on the MUMmer algorithm and average amino acid identity values of strain A-F 0318T with G. harbinensis LL-DO5139T were 86.9, 89.1 and 84.24 %, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between A-F 0318T and its closest relative, G. harbinensis LL-DO5139T was 33.8 %. The digital G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.7 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose, xylose, glucose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-10(H4). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 1 G. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, two unknown phosphoglycolipids and one unknown phospholipid. Based on comparative analysis of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, the novel actinomycete strain A-F 0318T (=TBRC 13612T=NBRC 115417T) represents the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Glycomyces amatae sp. nov. is proposed.

Streptomyces corallincola and Kineosporia corallincola sp. nov., two new coral-derived marine actinobacteria

Two new marine actinobacteria, designated as J2-1^T and J2-2^T, were isolated from a coral, Favites pentagona, collected from Rayong Province, Thailand. The taxonomic positions of the two strains were identified based on polyphasic taxonomy. Based on morphological characteristics and chemotaxonomy, strains J2-1^T and J2-2^T were identified as members of the genus Streptomyces and Kineosporia, respectively. Strains J2-1^T and J2-2^T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces broussonetiae T44^T (98.62 %) and Kineosporia babensis VN05A0415^T (98.08 %), respectively. Strain J2-1^T had chemotaxonomic properties resembling members of the genus Streptomyces. ll-Diaminopimelic acid, glucose and ribose were detected in the whole-cell hydrolysate. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositolmannoside, unidentified aminolipid and five unidentified phospholipids were detected as the polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C_16 : 0 iso, C_15 : 0 anteiso, C_15 : 0 iso, C_16 : 0, C_17 : 0 anteiso, C_14 : 0 iso and C_17 : 0 iso. Strain J2-2^T a showed similar cell composition to members of the genus Kineosporia. Both isomers of ll- and meso-diaminopimelic acid were detected in the peptidoglycan. Arabinose, galactose, madurose and xylose were observed in the whole-cell hydrolysate. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major cellular fatty acids were C_16 : 0, C_18 : 1 ω9c, C_18 : 0 10-methyl, tuberculostearic acid, C_18 : 0 and C_17 : 0. Both strains could be distinguished from their closely related type strains according to their phenotypic characteristics. Comparative genome analysis indicated the delineation of two novel species based on digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values, which were below 70 and 95 %, respectively. The names proposed are Streptomyces corallincola sp. nov. (J2-1^T=TBRC 13503^T=NBRC 115066^T) and Kineosporia corallincola sp. nov. (J2-2^T=TBRC 13504^T=NBRC 114885^T).

Prauserella cavernicola sp. nov., isolated from cave rock

A novel actinomycete, designated strain ASG 168^T, was isolated from cave rock collected from Stegodon Sea Cave in Thailand. Long chains of non-motile spores that were oval or spherical in shape with a smooth surface developed on aerial mycelia. Substrate mycelia fragmented into irregular rod-shaped elements. A polyphasic taxonomic study showed that strain ASG 168^T had typical characteristics of members of the genus Prauserella. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain ASG 168^T shared 97.5 % similarity with Prauserella marina MS498^T and 96.7 % with Prauserella coralliicola SCSIO 11529^T. Average nucleotide identity values with P. coralliicola SCSIO 11529^T and P. marina MS498^T were 82.98 and 76.08 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose, arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H₄). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C_16 : 0, C_16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C_16 : 1 ω7c/C_16 : 1 ω6c). The phospholipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and two unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.6 mol%. Differentiation of strain ASG 168^T from closely related species was evident from digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of 29.2 and 21.3 % with P. coralliicola and P. marina, respectively. Based on comparative analysis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, the novel actinomycete strain ASG 168^T (=TBRC 13679^T=NBRC 114887^T) is proposed to be the type strain of a novel species, Prauserella cavernicola sp. nov.

Comparative genomics and proposal of Streptomyces radicis sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete from roots of plants in Thailand

Strains DS1-2^T and AZ1-7, which were isolated from roots of plants, were taxonomically characterized based on polyphasic taxonomic and taxogenomic approaches. Both strains were Gram-stain-positive and filamentous bacteria which contained LL-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan and glucose and ribose in whole-cell hydrolysates. MK-9(H₆), MK-10(H₆), MK-9(H₈), MK-10(H₈) and MK-10(H₄) were major menaquinones; iso-C_16:0 and iso-C_16:1G were predominant cellular fatty acids; diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside presented as major phospholipids; and the DNA G+C contents of 73.2 mol%. Strains DS1-2^T and AZ1-7 showed 97.6-98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 81.0-82.0 % ANIb, 84.8-85.3 % ANIm and 22.0-23.1 % digital DDH to their related type strains: S. specialis GW41-1564^T and S. hoynatensis S1412^T. Comparative genomics results of these strains and their related type strains also revealed the differences and distributions of key genes associated with stress responses, environmental variables, plant interactions and bioactive metabolites. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data, strains DS1-2^T and AZ1-7 could be assigned to the novel species within the genus Streptomyces for which the name Streptomyces radicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DS1-2^T (=JCM 32152^T =KCTC 39738^T =TISTR 2403^T).

Amycolatopsis dendrobii sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from Dendrobium heterocarpum Lindl

Three novel actinomycete strains, designated as DR6-1^T, DR6-2 and DR6-4, isolated from the roots of Dendrobium heterocarpum Lindl in Thailand were studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strains grew at 20-37 °C, at pH 5-10 and with 5 % (w/v) NaCl. They contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and MK-9(H₄) was a major menaquinone. Arabinose and galactose were the major sugars in the cell wall. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C_16 : 0 and iso-C_15 : 0. The detected polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. Strains DR6-1^T, DR6-2 and DR6-4 shared 99.9-100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and were closely related to Amycolatopsis echigonensis JCM 21831^T (98.7-98.8%). The approximate genome size of strain DR6-1^T was 9.6 Mb with a G+C content of 69.6 mol%. The ANIb and dDDH values between genomic sequences of strain DR6-1^T and Amycolatopsis echigonensis JCM21831^T, Amycolatopsis rubida JCM 10871^T and Amycolatopsis nivea KCTC 39515^T were 90.55, 92.25, 92.60%, and 47.20, 52.10 and 52.50%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, it has been concluded that strains DR6-1^T, DR6-2 and DR6-4 represent a novel species of the genus Amycolatopsis for which the name Amycolatopsis dendrobii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DR6-1^T (=JCM 33742^T=KCTC 49546^T=TISTR 2840^T).

Genome analysis and optimization of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production by lactic acid bacteria from plant materials

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a key role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian sympathetic nervous system and has other health benefits. Molecular characterization, genome analysis, and optimization were investigated to improve GABA production of a selected strain of lactic acid bacteria. Eleven isolates from plant materials were screened for GABA productivity and were identified based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. The most potent strain was chosen for genome analysis and GABA production optimization using the response surface methodology (RSM). Each of the two strains was closely related to Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Weissella cibaria, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides while each strain was similar to Lactobacillus pentosus, Enterococcus, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. They produced GABA ranging from 0.036 ± 0.000 to 17.315 ± 0.171 g/L at 72 h-cultivation. Among them, the most potent strain, SL9-6, showed the highest GABA production (17.315 g/L) when cultivated with 10% (v/v) inoculum for 48 h. The draft genome sequence of strain SL9-6 exhibited 96.90% average nucleotide identity value and 74.50% digital DNA-DNA hybridization to Lactobacillus brevis NCTC 13768^T. This strain contained a glutamate decarboxylase gene system (gadA, gadB and gadC). Optimal culture conditions were determined as 40.00 g/L glucose, 49.90 g/L monosodium glutamate, pH 5.94, and 31.10°C by RSM, giving maximum GABA production of 32.48 g/L. Results from RSM also indicated that monosodium glutamate concentration, pH, and temperature were significant variables. GABA production significantly improved here could promise further application of strain SL9-6.

Actinomadura decatromicini sp. nov., isolated from mountain soil in Thailand

A novel actinomycete strain CYP1-5T was isolated from the mountain soil sample collected from Chaiyaphum province, Thailand and its taxonomic position was clarified by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain CYP1-5T were consistent within the genus Actinomadura. Cell-wall peptidoglycan of this strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. Galactose, madurose, and ribose were presented as the diagnostic sugars in whole-cell hydrolysates. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H6). Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16:0 and C16:0. Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylinositol mannoside were observed as predominant phospholipids. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain CYP1-5T was constituent with the genus Actinomadura and was closely related to Actinomadura syzygii GKU157T (99.5%) and Actinomadura chibensis IFM 10266T (= JCM 14158T) (98.2%). The draft genome size of strain CYP1-5T was 9.30 Mb with 72.2 mol% of G + C content. Strain CYP1-5T showed ANIb values of 94.9% with A. syzygii GKU157T and 93.2% with A. chibensis JCM 14158T. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and genome data support that strain CYP1-5T could be discriminated from its closest relatives, representing a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the name Actinomadura decatromicini sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CYP1-5T (= JCM 16996T = KCTC 19916T = TISTR 2901T).

Cryptosporangium phraense sp. nov., isolated from plant litter

A novel zoosporic actinomycete, designated strain A-T 5661^T, was isolated from plant litter collected in Thailand. Strain A-T 5661^T developed large multilocular sporangia containing motile sporangiospores at the ends of sporangiophores on substrate mycelium. The results of our polyphasic taxonomic study demonstrated that the strain had characteristics typical of members of the genus Cryptosporangium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain A-T 5661^T shared the sequence similarity ≤98.5 % with all members of the genus Cryptosporangium. The values of DNA-DNA relatedness that distinguished this novel strain from its closest related species were below 70 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars were acofriose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H₈) and MK-9(H₆) with minor amounts of MK-9(H₄) and MK-9(H₂). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C_16 : 0, C_18 : 1ω9c and anteiso-C_17 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and unidentified polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.6 mol%. Based on comparative analysis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, the novel zoosporic actinomycete A-T 5661^T (=TBRC 8127^T=NBRC 113237^T) is proposed to be the type strain of a novel species, Cryptosporangium phraense sp. nov.

Lentibacillus lipolyticus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from shrimp paste (Ka-pi)

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, moderately halophilic bacterium, SSKP1-9^T, was isolated from traditional salted shrimp paste (Ka-pi) produced in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. This strain grew optimally at 37-40 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 8-16 % (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values between strain SSKP1-9^T and Lentibacillus juripiscarius TISTR 1535^T and Lentibacillus halophilus TISTR 1549^T were 98.7 and 97.2 %, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain SSKP1-9^T represents a distinct novel species, as shown by phenotypic traits, DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values. In addition, the whole-cell protein profile confirmed the novelty of the taxon. The genomic DNA G+C content was 44.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified lipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C_15 : 0, anteiso-C_17 : 0 and iso-C_16 : 0. The results of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and whole-genome analysis support that strain SSKP1-9^T represents a novel species of Lentibacillus, for which the name Lentibacilluslipolyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SSKP1-9^T (=JCM 32625^T=TISTR 2597^T).

Micromonospora radicis sp. nov., isolated from roots of Azadirachta indica var. siamensis Valenton, and reclassification of Jishengella zingiberis as Micromonospora zingiberis comb. nov

A novel endophytic actinomycete strain AZ1-13^T was isolated from roots of Azadirachta indica, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of strain AZ1-13^T and its closest species, Jishegella zingiberis PLAI1-1^T and Micromonospora endophytica 202201^T, were 99.7 and 99.2 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of the family Micromonosporaceae based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated strains AZ1-13^T and J. zingiberis PLAI1-1^Tare located within the genus Micromonospora. The approximate genome size of the strain was 5.96 Mb with 71.9 mol% of G+C content. The strain AZ1-13^T exhibited ANIb values of 87.4 % with J. zingiberis PLAI1-1^T and 85.1 % with M. endophytica 202201^T. Chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain AZ1-13^T were consistent within the genus Micromonospora: cell-wall peptidoglycan of the strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid; glucose, mannose, ribose and xylose are presented as the whole-cell sugars; the predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H₄) and MK-9(H₆); major cellular fatty acids were iso-C_15 : 0, 10-methyl C_17 : 0, C_17 : 0, anteiso-C_17 : 0 and iso-C_17 : 1ω8c; diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol were detected as distinguished phospholipids. Based on phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, the strain AZ1-13^T could be distinguished from its closest neighbours, representing a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora radicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AZ1-13^T (=KCTC 39786^T=NBRC 112324^T=JCM 32147^T = TISTR 2404^T). This study also proposed that J. zingiberisis transferred to the genus Micromonospora as Micromonospora zingiberis comb. nov. (type strain PLAI1-1^T=TBRC 7644^T=NBRC 113144^T=JCM 32592^T).

Characterisation of Two Polyketides from Streptomyces sp. SKH1-2 Isolated from Roots of Musa (ABB) cv. 'Kluai Sao Kratuep Ho'

An endophytic actinomycete strain SKH1-2 isolated from Musa (ABB) cv. 'Kluai Sao Kratuep Ho' collected in Suphan Buri province (14° 54' 22.5″ N/100° 04' 50″ E), Thailand, was identified as Streptomyces pseudovenezuelae based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and 16S rRNA sequence analyses. A chemical investigation led to the isolation of two polyketide molecules from the n-butanol crude extract of the strain SKH1-2 culture broth. The compounds were purified using various chromatographic techniques and identified using spectroscopic methods compared with earlier published data. Compound 1, chartreusin, is known as an anti-Gram (+) bacterial compound and was active against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p with MIC values of 3.1, 1.6 and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 2, lumichrome, did not show activity against all tested microbes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of chartreusin and lumichrome isolated from S. pseudovenezuelae. Taken together, it could be proved that Thai plant species are valuable reservoirs of interesting endophytic actinomycetes producing several interesting biologically active compounds.

Micromonospora globbae sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from roots of Globba winitii C. H. Wright

A novel endophytic actinomycete, strain WPS1-2^T, isolated from a root of Globba winitii C. H. Wright, was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Strain WPS1-2^T exhibited identical characteristics to the members of the genus Micromonospora. Single spores were observed directly on substrate mycelia. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of the strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and 3-OH-meso-diaminopimelic acid. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained glucose, ribose, arabinose and xylose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H8) and MK-10(H10). The major cellular fatty acids consisted of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain, WPS1-2^T showed highest similarity to Micromonospora costi CS1-12^T (99.02 %). Phylogenetic analysis of the gyrase subunit B (gyrB) gene indicated that the strain was related to M. costi CS1-12^T. The DNA G+C content was 73.7 mol%. The strain could be distinguished from closely related type strains by using a combination of morphological, chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical data together with DNA-DNA relatedness values. Based on these observations, strain WPS1-2^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora globbae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WPS1-2^T (=KCTC 39787^T=NBRC 112325^T=TISTR 2405^T).

Polycladomyces subterraneus sp. nov., isolated from soil in Thailand

A thermophilic poly(L-lactide)-degrading Gram-stain-positive filamentous bacterial strain that develops single spores on the aerial mycelium was isolated from forest soil at Srinagarind Dam, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The results of a polyphasic taxonomic study showed that our isolate had characteristics typical of members of the genus Polycladomyces. The isolate grew aerobically at an optimum temperature of 50-55 °C and optimal pH 6-7. Meso-diaminopimelic acid was present as the diagnostic diamino acid in the peptidoglycan but no characteristic sugars are detected. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylserine. The predominant cellular fatty acid was iso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain KSR 13T was 53.4 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis also indicated that strain KSR 13T belonged to the genus Polycladomyces, being most closely related to Polycladomyces abyssicola JIR-001T (99.2 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values that distinguished KSR 13T from P. abyssicola JIR-001T were 17.8-32.1 %, which were significantly below the 70 % cutoff value recommended for species delineation. Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies, the new isolate is proposed as a novel species and named Polycladomyces subterraneus sp. nov. The type strain is KSR 13T (=BCC 50740T=NBRC 109332T).

Streptomyces verrucosisporus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediments

Five actinomycete isolates, CPB1-1T, CPB2-10, BM1-4, CPB3-1 and CPB1-18, belonging to the genus Streptomyces were isolated from marine sediments collected from Chumphon Province, Thailand. They produced open loops of warty spore chains on aerial mycelia. ll-Diaminopimelic acid, glucose and ribose were found in their whole-cell hydrolysates. Polar lipids found were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. Menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H8), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H8). Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The taxonomic position of the strains was described using a polyphasic approach. blastn analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that these five strains exhibited the highest similarities with 'Streptomyces mangrovicola' GY1 (99.0 %), Streptomyces fenghuangensisGIMN4.003T (98.6 %), Streptomyces barkulensisRC 1831T (98.5 %) and Streptomyces radiopugnans R97T (98.3 %). However, their phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequences as well as DNA-DNA relatedness differentiated these five strains from the other species of the genus Streptomyces. Here, we propose the novel actinomycetes all being representatives of the same novel species, Streptomyces verrucosisporus, with type strain CPB1-1T (=JCM 18519T=PCU 343T=TISTR 2344T).

Micromonospora sediminis sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment

The novel actinomycete, strain CH3-3T, was isolated from mangrove sediment collected from Chonburi Province, Thailand. On the basis of its spore morphology and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the strain belonged to the genus Micromonospora. It contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, glucose, mannose, xylose, ribose and rhamnose in the whole-cell hydrolysate, MK-10(H4), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H8) as major menaquinones, and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 as major cellular fatty acids. blast analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain showed highest similarity with Micromonospora palomenae NEAU-CX1T (98.97 %) and Micromonospora coxensis 2-30-b(28)T (98.97 %). Based on phylogenetic tree analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain formed a cluster with M. palomenae NEAU-CX1T, Micromonospora halophytica DSM 43171T, M. coxensis 2-30-b(28)T and Micromonospora purpureochromogenes DSM 43821T. On the basis of phenotypic differences and DNA-DNA relatedness evidence, strain CH3-3T could be clearly distinguished from the closely related species of the genus Micromonospora and represents a novel species of the genus Micromonospora for which the name Micromonospora sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CH3-3T (=JCM 18523T=PCU 350T=TISTR 2396T).

Planomonospora corallina sp. nov., isolated from soil

A novel actinomycete strain, A-T 11038T, was isolated from bamboo rhizospheric soil collected in Thailand. Based on a polyphasic approach, the novel strain was characterized as a member of the genus Planomonospora, which developed cylindrical to clavate sporangia containing a single motile spore on aerial mycelium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain A-T 11038T was closely related to Planomonospora sphaerica JCM 9374T (98.82 %), P.lanomonospora parontospora subsp. parontospora NBRC 13880T and P.parontospora subsp. antibiotica JCM 3094T (98.54 %), Planomonospora alba JCM 9373T (98.41 %) and Planomonospora venezuelensis JCM 3167T (97.51 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values that distinguished strain A-T 11038T from the most closely related species were below 45 %. The novel strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall hydrolysates, and rhamnose, ribose, madurose and glucose in whole-cell hydrolysates. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H2). The diagnostic phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylinositol and aminophosphoglycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were unsaturated fatty acids C17 : 1 and C16 : 1 and saturated fatty acid C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 73.5 mol%. Following the evidence obtained using a polyphasic approach, the novel strain is proposed as a representative of a novel species to be named Planomonospora corallina sp. nov. The type strain is A-T 11038T (=BCC 67829T=TBRC 4489T=NBRC 110609T).

Phytohabitans kaempferiae sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the leaf of Kaempferia larsenii

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain KK1-3T, which formed single spores and long chains of spores (more than 10 spores) was isolated from surface-sterilized Kaempferia larsenii leaf collected from Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. The isolate contained l-lysine, meso-diaminopimelic acid and hydroxyl diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell sugars included glucose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose, galactose and xylose. The characteristic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphoglycolipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H8), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H4). The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KK1-3T should be classified as representing a member of the genus Phytohabitans. The similarity values of sequences between this strain and those of the closely related species, Phytohabitans houttuyneae K11-0057T (99.0 %), Phytohabitans suffuscus K07-0523T (98.9 %), Phytohabitans flavus K09-0627T (98.6 %) and Phytohabitans rumicisK11-0047T (98.1 %) were observed. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that KK1-3T could be readily distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives. On the basis of these phenotypic and genotypic data, this strain represents a novel species, for which the name Phytohabitans kaempferiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain KK1-3T (=BCC 66360T =NBRC 110005T).

Asanoa endophytica sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the rhizome of Boesenbergia rotunda

A novel Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, endophytic actinomycete, designated strain BR3-1^T, which produced spore chains borne on the tips of short sporophores, was isolated from the rhizome of Boesenbergia rotunda collected from Udon Thani province, Thailand. This strain was investigated for its taxonomic position using a polyphasic approach. The strain contained 3-hydroxydiaminopimelic acid and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell sugars comprised glucose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose and xylose. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides were found as the characteristic phospholipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H₈) and MK-10(H₆). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C_16 : 0, iso-C_15 : 0 and anteiso-C_15 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.4 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain BR3-1^T belonged to the genus Asanoa and was most closely related to Asanoa ishikariensis (99.39 %), Asanoa iriomotensis (99.31 %), Asanoa siamensis (99.17 %), Asanoa ferruginea (98.84 %) and Asanoa hainanensis (98.71 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain BR3-1^T and its phylogenetically closest relatives was in the range of 15.4 % ± 1.2 to 45.8 % ± 2.6. In addition, some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that strain BR3-1^T could be readily distinguished from all type strains in the genus Asanoa. Thus, strain BR3-1^T should be classified as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Asanoa endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BR3-1^T ( = BCC 66355^T = NBRC 110002^T).

Kutzneria chonburiensis sp. nov., isolated from soil

A novel actinomycete strain, SMC 256T, which developed small, globose sporangia at the ends of long sporangiophores on aerial mycelium, was isolated from soil collected in a mountain forest of Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SMC 256T belonged to the genus Kutzneria, and the closest phylogenetically related species were Kutzneria buriramensis BCC 29373T (98.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Kutzneria kofuensis ATCC 27102T (98.2 %), Kutzneria albida ATCC 25243T (97.9 %) and Kutzneria viridogrisea ATCC 25242T (97.4 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness values that distinguished strain SMC 256T from previously described members of the genus Kutzneria were significantly below 70 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.8 mol%. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars consisted of rhamnose, ribose, mannose, glucose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Mycolic acids were not detected. The diagnostic phospholipids were hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, unidentified phosphoglycolipids, unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1 and C17 : 0 10-methyl. Following the evidence of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies, it is proposed that strain SMC 256T represents a novel species in the genus Kutzneria, namely Kutzneria chonburiensis sp. nov. The type strain is SMC 256T ( = BCC 72675T = NBRC 110610T).

Micromonospora fluostatini sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment

The novel actinomycete strain PWB-003T, which produced fluostatins B and C antibiotics, was isolated from nearshore sediment collected from Panwa Cape, Phuket Province, Thailand. Data from the present polyphasic study indicated that strain PWB-003T represented a member of the genus Micromonospora. It produced single spores on substrate mycelia and contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. Whole-cell hydrolysate contained ribose, xylose, arabinose, mannose and glucose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-10 (H4). Cellular fatty acids comprised C18 : 1ω9c, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, the novel strain was closely related to Micromonospora eburnea LK2-10T (99.38 %), Micromonospora chaiyaphumensis MC5-1T (99.16 %), Micromonospora yangpuensis FXJ6.011T (98.97 %), Micromonospora echinaurantiaca DSM 43904T (98.97 %), Micromonospora pallida DSM 43817T (98.97 %), Micromonospora sagamiensis DSM 43912T and Micromonospora auratinigra JCM 12357T (both 98.97 %). The G+C content of the DNA was 74.5 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness values among strain PWB-003T and related type strains ranged from 11.3 ± 1.3 to 38.8 ± 1.1 %. On the basis of these observations, strain PWB-003T could be distinguished from its closely related type strains and is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora fluostatini sp. nov. (type strain PWB-003T = JCM 30529T = PCU 341T = TISTR 2345T) is proposed.

Actinoplanes luteus sp. nov., isolated from soil

A novel filamentous bacterial strain, A-T 5190T, which developed irregular sporangia at the end of sporangiophores on substrate mycelia, was isolated from dry evergreen forest soil collected in Thailand. The 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain A-T 5190T belonged to the genus Actinoplanes and was related most closely to Actinoplanes palleronii NBRC 14916T (98.88 % similarity) and Actinoplanes rectilineatus NBRC 13941T (98.54 %). DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain A-T 5190T and its closest relatives were below 70 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained rhamnose, ribose, galactose and xylose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant cellular fatty acids were unsaturated fatty acid C17 : 1 and branched fatty acids iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.9 mol%. Evidence from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies indicate that strain A-T 5190T represents a novel species of the genus Actinoplanes, for which the name Actinoplanes luteus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A-T 5190T ( = BCC 41582T = NBRC 109644T).

Micromonospora endophytica sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacteria of Thai upland rice (Oryza sativa)

An actinobacterial strain, DCWR9-8-2(T), was isolated from a leaf of Thai upland rice (Oryza sativa) collected in Chumporn province, Thailand. Strain DCWR9-8-2(T) is Gram-stain-positive aerobic bacteria that produce single spores directly on the vegetative hypha. Cell wall peptidoglycan of this strain exhibits meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine, the reducing sugars of whole-cell hydrolysate are arabinose, glucose, ribose, xylose and small amount of mannose. The phospholipid profiles in the membrane are comprised of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The major menaquinones are MK-9(H4) and MK-10(H6). The diagnostic cellular fatty acids are iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 72.5 mol%. The result of 16S rRNA sequence analysis of the strain revealed that this strain was closely related to Micromonospora auratinigra TT1-11(T) (99.25%). On the other hand, the result of gyrB gene sequence analysis revealed that this strain was closed to M. eburnea JCM 12345(T) (96.30%). In addition, a combination of DNA-DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic properties supported that this strain should be judged as a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name M. endophytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCWR9-8-2(T) (=BCC 67267(T)=NBRC 110008(T)).

Micromonospora costi sp. nov., isolated from a leaf of Costus speciosus

An endophytic actinobacterial strain, CS1-12T, was isolated from a leaf of Costus speciosus. Single spores were observed directly on the substrate mycelia. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of this strain exhibited meso-diaminopimelic acid and 3-OH-meso-diaminopimelic acid. Arabinose, glucose, ribose, xylose and rhamnose were detected as whole-cell sugars. The diagnostic phospholipids of this strain were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H6), MK-10(H8), MK-9(H4) and MK-10(H4). The main components of the cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.8 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis data showed that strain CS1-12T should be classified in the genus Micromonospora and that it is closely related to Micromonospora fulviviridis DSM 43906T (99.3 %). The physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic properties, including the DNA–DNA hybridization results, indicated that strain CS1-12T could be judged a novel species of the genus Micromonospora , for which the name Micromonospora costi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CS1-12T ( = BCC 58124T = NBRC 109518T).

Sinosporangium fuscum sp. nov., isolated from soil

A novel actinomycete, A-T 8343T was isolated from a moist evergreen forest soil sample collected in the Trat Province, Thailand. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain A-T 8343T belonged to the genus Sinosporangium and was closely related to Sinosporangium siamense A-T 1946T (98.81 %) and Sinosporangium album 6014T (98.54 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values were 21.8-27 % with S. siamense A-T 1946T and 31.1-31.9 % with S. album 6014T, which were significantly below 70 %. The result differentiated A-T 8343T from the closest species. The organism developed spherical sporangia containing non-motile spores on aerial mycelia. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained rhamnose, ribose, madurose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H4). The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyl-phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine, N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannosides, aminophosphoglycolipid and one unknown phospholipid. The major cellular fatty acids were saturated C16 : 0, iso C16 : 0, unsaturated C16 : 1 and C18 : 1. Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, the new isolate is proposed as a representative novel species of the genus Sinosporangium to be named Sinosporangiumfuscum sp. nov. The type strain is A-T 8343T ( = BCC 52770T = NBRC 109516T).

Dactylosporangium sucinum sp. nov., isolated from Thai peat swamp forest soil

The actinomycete strain RY35-23(T) was isolated from peat swamp forest soil in Thailand. The taxonomic position of this strain was determined using polyphasic approach. Strain RY35-23(T) showed typical morphology and chemical properties similar to the members in the genus Dactylosporangium. On the basis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis, this strain was closely related to Dactylosporangium fulvum JCM 5631(T) (98.94%), D. roseum JCM 3364(T) (98.87%) and D. darangshiense JCM 17441(T) (98.86%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain RY35-23(T) and its closely related species was lower than 70%, the cutoff level for assigning strains to the same species. On the basis of these results mentioned, the strain RY35-23(T) could be distinguished from its closely related type strains and represents a novel species of the genus Dactylosporangium, for which the name Dactylosporangium sucinum (type strain RY35-23(T)=JCM 19831(T)=TISTR 2212(T)=PCU 333(T)) is proposed.

Sinosporangium siamense sp. nov., isolated from soil and emended description of the genus Sinosporangium

An actinomycetes strain A-T 1946(T) that developed spherical sporangia containing non-motile spores on aerial mycelia was isolated from dry deciduous forest soil in Thailand. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain A-T 1946(T) belongs to the genus Sinosporangium, being closely related to Sinosporangium album 6014(T) (98.8% sequence similarity). The DNA-DNA relatedness values were 43.7-50.9%, which were significantly below 70% and differentiated strain A-T 1946(T) from the closest species. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained rhamnose, ribose, madurose and glucose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H2). The diagnostic phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside, N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids, two unknown phosphoglycolipids and two unknown phospholipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were unsaturated C(16 : 1) and C(17 : 1), and saturated C(16 : 0) and 10-methyl-C(17 : 0). Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, the isolate is proposed to represent a novel species of genus Sinosporangium to be named Sinosporangium siamense sp. nov. The type strain is A-T 1946(T) ( = BCC 29081(T) = NBRC 109515(T)). An emended description of the genus Sinosporangium is also provided.

Streptomyces chumphonensis sp. nov., isolated from marine sediments

Two actinomycete strains, KK1-2(T) and CPB4-7, were isolated from marine sediments collected in Chumphon province, Thailand. Chumphon province, Thailand. Their taxonomic positions were determined using a polyphasic approach. The morphological, cultural and chemotaxonomic characteristics of these isolates were consistent with the classification of the strains as representing a member of the genus Streptomyces. They contained LL-diaminopimelic acid in their cell wall peptidoglycan; the whole-cell sugars were ribose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK9-(H6) and MK9-(H8). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, these isolates were determined to be closely related to Streptomyces xinghaiensis JCM 16958(T) (98.2%), Streptomyces rimosus subsp. paromomycinus JCM 4541(T) (98.1%), Streptomyces sclerotialus JCM 4828(T) (98.1%) and Streptomyces flocculus JCM 4476(T) (98.0%). The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains KK1-2(T) and CPB4-7 were 73.3 and 74.2 mol%, respectively. They could be clearly distinguished from the related type strains by a low DNA-DNA relatedness and phenotypic differences. On the basis of these results, these strains represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces chumphonensis sp. nov. (type strain KK1-2(T) = JCM 18522(T) = TISTR 2106(T) = PCU 330(T)) is proposed.

Planobispora takensis sp. nov., isolated from soil

A novel Gram-stain-positive, filamentous bacterial strain (A-T 7458(T)) was isolated from soil collected from hill evergreen forest in Thailand. The strain developed cylindrical sporangia containing a longitudinal pair of motile spores, on short ramifications of aerial mycelia. From a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach, strain A-T 7458(T) had typical characteristics of members of the genus Planobispora. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolate was closely related to Planobispora siamensis A-T 4600(T) (98.5 %), Planobispora rosea JCM 3166(T) (97.6 %) and Planobispora longispora NBRC 13918(T) (97.6 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness values, which differentiated the novel strain from the closest species, were significantly below 70 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose, madurose, mannose and glucose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H2). The diagnostic phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside and aminophosphoglycolipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were unsaturated C17 : 1 and C18 : 1, and saturated C16 : 0 and C17 : 0. Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, the novel isolate is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Planobispora, to be named Planobispora takensis sp. nov. The type strain is A-T 7458(T) ( = BCC 48396(T) = NBRC 109077(T)).

Verrucosispora andamanensis sp. nov., isolated from a marine sponge

An actinomycete strain, SP03-05T, was isolated from a marine sponge sample (Xestospongia sp.) collected from Phuket Province of Thailand. The strain was aerobic, Gram-stain-positive and produced single spores at the tips of the substrate mycelium. Strain SP03-05T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the peptidoglycan; whole-cell sugars were arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, ribose and xylose. The polar lipid profile of strain SP03-05T consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and unknown polar lipids. Morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain identified it as a member of the family Micromonosporaceae . Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed similarity of the strain to Verrucosispora lutea YIM 013T (96.90 %), Verrucosispora sediminis MS426T (96.90 %), Verrucosispora gifhornensis DSM 44337T (96.80 %), Verrucosispora maris AB-18-032T (96.80 %) and Verrucosispora qiuiae RtIII47T (95.40 %). The DNA G+C content was 72.4 mol%. The phenotypic, genotypic and DNA–DNA hybridization results supported the classification of this strain as a representative of a novel species in the genus Verrucosispora , for which the name Verrucosispora andamanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SP03-05T ( = BCC 45620T = NBRC 109075T).