Physiological and genomic features of Henriciella with the description of Henriciella mobilis sp. nov

Strains M65^T, M69 and JN25 were isolated from seawater of the West Pacific Ocean. Cells of the three strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped. Cells were motile by means of flagella. On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strains M65^T, M69 and JN25 showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Henriciella algicola MCS27^T (98.8 %), followed by Henriciella marina DSM 19595^T (98.4 %), Henriciella barbarensis MCS23^T (98.4 %), Henriciella pelagia LA220^T (98.3 %), Henriciella aquimarina P38^T (98.1 %) and Henriciella litoralis SD10^T (97.8 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities among the isolates were 100 %. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolates fell within a cluster comprising the Henriciella species and represented an independent lineage. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain M65^T and the type strains of Henriciella species were 73.9-85.8 % and 19.9-22.4 %, respectively. The sole respiratory quinone detected in the three isolates was ubiquinone 10. The principal fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C_18 : 1  ω7c and/or C_18 : 1  ω6c) and C_16 : 0. The major polar lipids were glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride, monoglycosyldiglyceride and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content was 61.3-61.4 mol%. Phylogenetic distinctiveness, chemotaxonomic differences, together with phenotypic properties, revealed that the isolates could be differentiated from the Henriciella species with validly published names. Therefore, it is proposed that strains M65^T, M69 and JN25 represent a novel species of the genus Henriciella, for which the name Henriciella mobilis sp. nov. (type strain, M65^T=CGMCC 1.15927^T=KCTC 52576^T) is proposed.

Analysis of 1,000+ Type-Strain Genomes Substantially Improves Taxonomic Classification of Alphaproteobacteria

The class Alphaproteobacteria is comprised of a diverse assemblage of Gram-negative bacteria that includes organisms of varying morphologies, physiologies and habitat preferences many of which are of clinical and ecological importance. Alphaproteobacteria classification has proved to be difficult, not least when taxonomic decisions rested heavily on a limited number of phenotypic features and interpretation of poorly resolved 16S rRNA gene trees. Despite progress in recent years regarding the classification of bacteria assigned to the class, there remains a need to further clarify taxonomic relationships. Here, draft genome sequences of a collection of genomes of more than 1000 Alphaproteobacteria and outgroup type strains were used to infer phylogenetic trees from genome-scale data using the principles drawn from phylogenetic systematics. The majority of taxa were found to be monophyletic but several orders, families and genera, including taxa recognized as problematic long ago but also quite recent taxa, as well as a few species were shown to be in need of revision. According proposals are made for the recognition of new orders, families and genera, as well as the transfer of a variety of species to other genera and of a variety of genera to other families. In addition, emended descriptions are given for many species mainly involving information on DNA G+C content and (approximate) genome size, both of which are confirmed as valuable taxonomic markers. Similarly, analysis of the gene content was shown to provide valuable taxonomic insights in the class. Significant incongruities between 16S rRNA gene and whole genome trees were not found in the class. The incongruities that became obvious when comparing the results of the present study with existing classifications appeared to be caused mainly by insufficiently resolved 16S rRNA gene trees or incomplete taxon sampling. Another probable cause of misclassifications in the past is the partially low overall fit of phenotypic characters to the sequence-based tree. Even though a significant degree of phylogenetic conservation was detected in all characters investigated, the overall fit to the tree varied considerably.

Acetobacter oryzifermentans sp. nov., isolated from Korean traditional vinegar and reclassification of the type strains of Acetobacter pasteurianus subsp. ascendens (Henneberg 1898) and Acetobacter pasteurianus subsp. paradoxus (Frateur 1950) as Acetobacter ascendens sp. nov., comb. nov

Twelve Acetobacter pasteurianus-related strains with publicly available genomes in GenBank shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (>99.59%), but average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values and multilocus sequence- and genome-based relatedness analyses suggested that they were divided into four different phylogenetic lineages. Relatedness analyses based on multilocus sequences, 1,194 core genes and whole-cell MALDI-TOF profiles supported that strains LMG 1590^T and LMG 1591 (previously classified as the type strains of A. pasteurianus subsp. ascendens and paradoxus, respectively) and strain SLV-7^T do not belong to A. pasteurianus. Strain SLV-7^T, isolated from Korean traditional vinegar, shared low ANI (<91.0%) and in silico DDH (44.2%) values with all other Acetobacter type strains analyzed in this study, indicating that strain SLV-7^T represents a new Acetobacter species. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses confirmed these results and therefore a new species named Acetobacter oryzifermentans sp. nov. is proposed with SLV-7^T (=KACC 19301^T=JCM 31096^T) as the type strain. Strains LMG 1590^T and LMG 1591 shared high ANI (99.4%) and in silico DDH (96.0%) values between them, but shared low ANI (<92.3%) and in silico DDH (<49.0%) values with other type strains analyzed in this study, indicating that strains LMG 1590^T and LMG 1591 should be reclassified into a new single species that should be named Acetobacter ascendens sp. nov., comb. nov., with LMD 51.1^T (=LMG 1590^T=NCCB 51001^T) as its type strain.

Mycobacterium paraintracellulare sp. nov., for the genotype INT-1 of Mycobacterium intracellulare

Three mycobacterial strains, isolated from independent Korean patients with pulmonary infections, belonging to the Mycobacterium intracellulare genotype 1 (INT-1) were characterized using a polyphasic approach. The sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the INT-1 strains were identical to those of Mycobacterium intracellulare ATCC 13950T. However, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis targeting five housekeeping genes (hsp65, rpoB, argG, gnd and pgm) revealed the phylogenetic separation of these strains from M. intracellulare ATCC 13950T. DNA-DNA hybridization values of >70 % confirmed that the three isolates belong to the same species, while the values of <70 % between one of them and the type strains of M. intracellulare and Mycobacterium chimaera confirmed their belonging to a distinct species. In addition, phenotypic characteristics such as positive growth on MacConkey agar and in acidic broth culture, unique matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS profiles of lipids, and unique mycolic acids profiles further supported the taxonomic status of these strains as representatives of a novel species of the Mycobacterium avium complex named Mycobacterium paraintracellulare. The type strain is MOTT64T (=KCTC 29084T=JCM 30622T).

Pandoraea terrae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil, and emended description of the genus Pandoraea Coenye et al. 2000

A Gram-staining-negative, facultatively aerobic, white-colony-forming bacterium, designated strain SE-S21T, was isolated from forest soil of Jeju Island in Korea. Cells were motile rods with a single polar flagellum, showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and with 0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2 %). Only ubiquinone-8 was detected as the isoprenoid quinone, and C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo, C19 : 1ω8c cyclo and summed feature 2 (comprising C12 : 0 aldehyde and/or unknown) were found to be the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminophospholipid, an unknown aminolipid and an unknown lipid were detected as the major polar lipids. Putrescine and 2-hydroxyputrescine were the predominant polyamines. The DNA G+C content was 61.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and DNA gyrase B gene sequences revealed that strain SE-S21T formed a phyletic lineage within the genus Pandoraea. Strain SE-S21T was most closely related to Pandoraea faecigallinarum KOxT and Pandoraea pnomenusa CCUG 38742T with 98.8 % and 98.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain SE-S21T and the type strains of P. faecigallinarum and P. pnomenusa were 26.6±5.7 % and 20.5±3.7 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain SE-S21T clearly represents a novel species of the genus Pandoraea, for which the name Pandoraea terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SE-S21T (=KACC 18127T=JCM 30137T). An emended description of the genus Pandoraea is also proposed.

Algimonas arctica sp. nov., isolated from intertidal sand, and emended description of the genus Algimonas

A novel Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, pale-orange-pigmented bacterium, designated strain SM1216T, was isolated from Arctic intertidal sand. Cells of strain SM1216T were dimorphic rods with a single polar prostheca or flagellum. The strain grew at 4 − 30 °C (optimum at 25 °C) and with 0.5 − 6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum with 2 − 3 %). It reduced nitrate to nitrite but did not hydrolyse gelatin, DNA or Tween 80. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SM1216T was affiliated with the genus Algimonas in the family Hyphomonadaceae, sharing 97.5 and 96.3 % similarity with Algimonas ampicilliniresistens 14A-2-7T and Algimonas porphyrae 0C-2-2T, respectively, the two known species in the genus Algimonas. However, the level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain SM1216T and the type strain of A. ampicilliniresistens, the nearest phylogenetic neighbour, was 57.9 %. The major cellular fatty acids of strain SM1216T were C18 : 1ω7c and C18 : 1 2-OH. The main polar lipids of strain SM1216T were monoglycosyldiglyceride (MGDG), glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride (GUDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and three unidentified phospholipids (PL1–3). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10 (Q10). The genomic G+C content of strain SM1216T was 60.6 mol%. On the basis of the evidence from this polyphasic study, strain SM1216T represents a novel species in the genus Algimonas, for which the name Algimonas arctica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SM1216T ( = MCCC 1K00233T = KCTC 32513T). An emended description of the genus Algimonas is also given.

Rheinheimera gaetbuli sp. nov., a Marine Bacterium Isolated from a Tidal Flat

A gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, and motile bacterium with a single polar flagellum, designated H26(T), was isolated from tidal flat sediment in Jeju Island, South Korea. Growth of strain H26(T) was observed at 4-35 °C (optimum, 20-25 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0), and 1-4 % NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain H26(T) formed a phyletic lineage within the genus Rheinheimera, family Chromatiaceae. Strain H26(T) was most closely related to Rheinheimera baltica OSBAC1(T), Rheinheimera aestuarii H29(T), Rheinheimera muenzenbergensis E49(T), and Rheinheimera aquimaris SW-353(T) with 98.5, 98.1, 97.8, and 97.5 % of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness levels between strain H26(T) and the type strains of R. baltica, R. aestuarii, R. muenzenbergensis, and R. aquimaris were 35.5 ± 3.2, 33.4 ± 1.5, 31.2 ± 2.2, and 28.7 ± 0.9 %, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain H26(T) were iso-C15:0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:0, summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c), iso-C17:0 3-OH, and C12:0 3-OH and the strain contained ubiquinone (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and an aminolipid were identified as the major polar lipids and the G + C content of the genomic DNA was 52.0 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular properties, strain H26(T) represents a novel species of the genus Rheinheimera, for which the name Rheinheimera gaetbuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain was H26(T) (=KACC 18254(T) = JCM 30403(T)).

Alteromonas naphthalenivorans sp. nov., a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from tidal-flat sediment

A Gram-staining-negative and halotolerant bacterium, designated SN2T, capable of biodegrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was isolated from a tidal flat contaminated with crude oil in Korea. Cells were strictly aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, motile rods, with a single polar flagellum. Growth was observed at 4–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C) at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5) and in the presence of 0.5–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0 %). Only ubiquinone 8 was detected as the isoprenoid quinone, and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c and C12 : 0 were observed as the major cellular fatty acids. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, a glycolipid, an aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 43.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SN2T formed a phylogenetic lineage with Alteromonas stellipolaris and Alteromonas addita within the genus Alteromonas, which was consistent with multilocus phylogenetic and MALDI-TOF MS analyses. Strain SN2T was most closely related to the type strains of A. stellipolaris, A. addita and Alteromonas macleodii, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 99.5, 99.3 and 98.4 % and DNA–DNA relatedness of 48.7 ± 6.6, 24.9 ± 7.5 and 27.9 ± 8.4 %, respectively. In conclusion, strain SN2T represents a novel species of the genus Alteromonas, for which the name Alteromonas naphthalenivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SN2T ( = KCTC 11700BPT = JCM 17741T = KACC 18427T).

Weissella jogaejeotgali sp. nov., isolated from jogae jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood

Strain FOL01T was isolated from traditionally fermented Korean jogae jeotgal (fermented clams). Phylogenetic sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from FOL01T revealed that it is closely related to Weissella thailandensis FS61-1T and Weissella paramesenteroides ATCC 33313T with 99.39 % and 98.50 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. API and VITEK analyses showed that strain FOL01T could be separated from its nearest phylogenetic relatives with respect to carbohydrate fermentation and antibiotic resistance. Subsequent amplified rRNA gene restriction analysis of 16S rRNA genes and HaeIII-restriction enzyme profiling of genomic DNAs revealed different band patterns. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization of genomic DNAs showed 63.9 % relatedness. Analysis of the composition of cellular fatty acids confirmed that strain FOL01T differs from its close relatives and supports the proposal to assign this organism to a novel species of the genus Weissella. Based on these results, strain FOL01T could be classified as a novel species of the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella jogaejeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FOL01T ( = KCCM 43128T = JCM 30589T).

Celeribacter naphthalenivorans sp. nov., a naphthalene-degrading bacterium from tidal flat sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain EMB201T, was isolated from tidal flat sediment of the South Sea in Korea. Cells were motile rods with a single polar flagellum and had catalase- and oxidase-positive activities. Growth of strain EMB201T was observed at 15–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5) and in the presence of 1–7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–3 %). Strain EMB201T contained ubiquinone-10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c), C18 : 0ω7c 11-methyl and C10 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified amino lipid were identified as the major polar lipids and an unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids were detected as minor components. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was approximately 58.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain EMB201T formed a phylogenetic lineage with members of the genus Celeribacter. Strain EMB201T was related most closely to Celeribacter halophilus ZXM137T with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.3 %, and the level of DNA–DNA relatedness between the two strains was 17.0 ± 2.0 %. The combined chemotaxonomic and molecular properties suggest that strain EMB201T represents a novel species of the genus Celeribacter, for which the name Celeribacter naphthalenivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EMB201T ( = KACC 18393T = JCM 30679T).

Rheinheimera aestuari sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from coastal sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-pigmented, motile bacterium with a single polar flagellum, designated H29T, was isolated from coastal sediment of Jeju Island, South Korea. Cells were non-spore-forming rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain H29T was observed at 10–40 °C (optimum, 20–25 °C) and pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0), and in the presence of 1–4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–3 %). Strain H29T contained C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids and ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid quinone. Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were identified as the major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 46.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain H29T formed a phyletic lineage with Rheinheimera hassiensis E48T within the genus Rheinheimera of the family Chromatiaceae. Strain H29T was most closely related to Rheinheimera pacifica KMM 1406T, Rheinheimera muenzenbergensis E49T, Rheinheimera hassiensis E48T and Rheinheimera baltica OSBAC1T with 97.8 %, 97.6 %, 97.4 % and 97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. However, DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain H29T with type strains of these species were lower than 70 %. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain H29T represents a novel species of the genus Rheinheimera, for which the name Rheinheimera aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H29T ( = KACC 18251T = JCM 30404T).

Bacillus oryzicola sp. nov., an Endophytic Bacterium Isolated from the Roots of Rice with Antimicrobial, Plant Growth Promoting, and Systemic Resistance Inducing Activities in Rice

Biological control of major rice diseases has been attempted in several rice-growing countries in Asia during the last few decades and its application using antagonistic bacteria has proved to be somewhat successful for controlling various fungal diseases in field trials. Two novel endophytic Bacillus species, designated strains YC7007 and YC7010(T), with anti-microbial, plant growth-promoting, and systemic resistance-inducing activities were isolated from the roots of rice in paddy fields at Jinju, Korea, and their multifunctional activities were analyzed. Strain YC7007 inhibited mycelial growth of major rice fungal pathogens strongly in vitro. Bacterial blight and panicle blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (KACC 10208) and Burkholderia glumae (KACC 44022), respectively, were also suppressed effectively by drenching a bacterial suspension (10(7) cfu/ml) of strain YC7007 on the rhizosphere of rice. Additionally, strain YC7007 promoted the growth of rice seedlings with higher germination rates and more tillers than the untreated control. The taxonomic position of the strains was also investigated. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that both strains belong to the genus Bacillus, with high similarity to the closely related strains, Bacillus siamensis KACC 15859(T) (99.67%), Bacillus methylotrophicus KACC 13105(T) (99.65%), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum KACC 17177(T) (99.60%), and Bacillus tequilensis KACC 15944(T) (99.45%). The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain YC7010(T) and the most closely related strain, B. siamensis KACC 15859(T) was 50.4±3.5%, but it was 91.5±11.0% between two strains YC7007 and YC7010(T), indicating the same species. The major fatty acids of two strains were anteiso-C15:0 and iso C15:0. Both strains contained MK-7 as a major respiratory quinone system. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of two strains were 50.5 mol% and 51.2 mol%, respectively. Based on these polyphasic studies, the two strains YC7007 and YC7010(T) represent novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus oryzicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC7010(T) (= KACC 18228(T)). Taken together, our findings suggest that novel endophytic Bacillus strains can be used for the biological control of rice diseases.

Aliiglaciecola aliphaticivorans sp. nov., an aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium, isolated from a sea-tidal flat and emended description of the genus Aliiglaciecola Jean et al. 2013

A Gram-stain-negative heterotrophic bacterium, designated GSD6T, capable of growth on aliphatic hydrocarbons as a sole carbon and energy source, was isolated from sea-tidal flat sediment of the Yellow Sea, South Korea. Cells were facultatively aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, motile rods with a single polar flagellum. Growth of strain GSD6T was observed at 4–37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum pH 6.5–7.5) and in the presence of 1–9 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2 %). Strain GSD6T contained ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid quinone and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 0 10-methyl and C17 : 1ω8c as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol were identified as the major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GSD6T formed a phylogenetic lineage with members of the genus Aliiglaciecola . Strain GSD6T was most closely related to Aliiglaciecola lipolytica E3T with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.4 %, but their DNA–DNA hybridization value was 39.1±7.1 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain GSD6T represents a novel species of the genus Aliiglaciecola , for which the name Aliiglaciecola aliphaticivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GSD6T ( = KACC 18129T = JCM 30133T). An emended description of the genus Aliiglaciecola is also proposed.

Zhongshania aliphaticivorans sp. nov., an aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from marine sediment, and transfer of Spongiibacter borealis Jang et al. 2011 to the genus Zhongshania as Zhongshania borealis comb. nov

A Gram-staining-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated SM-2(T), was isolated from a sea-tidal flat of Yellow Sea, South Korea. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive motile rods with a single polar flagellum. Growth of strain SM-2(T) was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 5.5-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and in the presence of 0-11% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). Strain SM-2(T) contained ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid quinone and C(17:1)ω8c, summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH), C(17:0) and C(18:1)ω7c as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified lipid were identified as the major cellular polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SM-2(T) formed a tight phyletic lineage with Zhongshania antarctica ZS5-23(T), Zhongshania guokunii ZS6-22(T) and Spongiibacter borealis CL-AS9(T), but that S. borealis CL-AS9(T) was distinct from other species of the genus Spongiibacter. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain SM-2(T) was most closely related to S. borealis CL-AS9(T), Z. antarctica ZS5-23(T) and Z. guokunii ZS6-22(T), with similarities of 99.5%, 98.9% and 98.7%, respectively, but the DNA-DNA hybridization values among these species were clearly lower than 70%. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and molecular properties, we propose strain SM-2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Zhongshania with the name Zhongshania aliphaticivorans sp. nov. (type strain SM-2(T) =KACC 18120(T) =JCM 30138(T)). We also propose the transfer of Spongiibacter borealis Jang et al. 2011 to the genus Zhongshania as Zhongshania borealis comb. nov. (type strain CL-AS9(T) =KCCM 90094(T) =JCM 17304(T)).

Salimicrobium jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from salted, fermented seafood

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, motile bacterium, designated strain MJ3(T), was isolated from myeolchi-jeot (anchovy jeotgal), a traditional fermented seafood in South Korea. Cells were non-endospore-forming cocci showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain MJ3(T) was observed at 15-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 1-24% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 10% NaCl). Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MJ3(T) formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Salimicrobium. Strain MJ3(T) was related most closely to Salimicrobium salexigens 29CMI(T), Salimicrobium album DSM 20748(T), Salimicrobium flavidum ISL-25(T), Salimicrobium luteum BY-5(T) and Salimicrobium halophilum DSM 4771(T), with similarities of 98.8%, 98.7%, 98.6%, 98.4% and 98.3%, respectively. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain MJ3(T) (KF732837) and S. salexigens DSM 22782(T), S. album DSM 20748(T), S. flavidum DSM 23127(T), S. luteum KCTC 3989(T) and S. halophilum JCM 12305(T) were 60 ± 5.4%, 58.5 ± 6.5%, 43.6 ± 5.5%, 37.2 ± 5.8% and 16.7 ± 0.2%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data (sole isoprenoid quinone, MK-7; major cell-wall type, meso-diaminopimelic acid; major cellular fatty acids, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0; major polar lipids, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; DNA G+C content, 46.3 mol%) also supported the affiliation of strain MJ3(T) with the genus Salimicrobium. Therefore, strain MJ3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salimicrobium, for which the name Salimicrobium jeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MJ3(T) ( = KACC 16972(T) = JCM 19758(T)).

Ramlibacter solisilvae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil, and emended description of the genus Ramlibacter

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, white-colony-forming bacterium, designated strain 5-10T, was isolated from forest soil of Bac Kan Province in Vietnam. Cells were non-motile rods or coccoids, showing oxidase- and catalase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–1.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–0.5 %). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), C16 : 0, C10 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.9 mol% and the only respiratory quinone detected was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 5-10T formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Ramlibacter . Strain 5-10T was most closely related to Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310T (97.3 %), but the DNA–DNA relatedness level between the two strains was 38.2±1.8 %. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain 5-10T was shown to represent a novel species of the genus Ramlibacter , for which the name Ramlibacter solisilvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5-10T ( = KACC 17567T = JCM 19319T). An emended description of the genus Ramlibacter is also proposed.

Shewanella aestuarii sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain SC18T, was isolated from a tidal flat of Suncheon bay in South Korea. Cells were rod-shaped and motile by means of a polar flagellum. Cells were catalase-, oxidase- and β-haemolysis-positive. Growth was observed at 4–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified lipids. Strain SC18T contained Q-7, Q-8, MK-7 and MMK-7 as the dominant respiratory quinones and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and gyrase B (gyrB) gene sequences showed that strain SC18T formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Shewanella . Strain SC18T was related most closely to Shewanella denitrificans OS217T (97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Shewanella gaetbuli TF-27T (97.1 %), but the DNA–DNA relatedness levels between strain SC18T and the type strains of S. denitrificans and S. gaetbuli were 18.3±2.8 and 22.5±1.6 % (mean±sd), respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain SC18T represents a novel species of the genus Shewanella , for which the name Shewanella aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SC18T ( = KACC 16187T = JCM 17801T).

Aquamicrobium aestuarii sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, motile bacterium with flagella, designated strain G210T, was isolated from a crude-oil-contaminated tidal flat of the Taean coast in South Korea. Cells were non-spore-forming, ovoid rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain G210T was observed between 15 and 45 °C (optimum, 30–35 °C) and between pH 5.5 and 9.0 (optimum, pH 6.5–7.5). Strain G210T contained Q-10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c as the major fatty acids. Putrescine and spermidine were identified as the major polyamines. Strain G210T contained phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminolipid as polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 56.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain G210T formed a phyletic lineage with members of the genus Aquamicrobium . Strain G210T was most closely related to Aquamicrobium ahrensii 905/1T (97.9 % similarity). The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain G210T and the type strain of A. ahrensii was 24±0.5 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain G210T represents a novel species within the genus Aquamicrobium , for which the name Aquamicrobium aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is G210T ( = KACC 14931T = JCM 16876T).

Brevibacterium jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-motile bacterium, designated strain SJ5-8T, was isolated from seau-jeot (shrimp jeotgal), a traditional fermented seafood in South Korea. Cells were non-spore-forming rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain SJ5-8T was observed at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.5) and in the presence of 0–14 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 5 %). Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Brevibacterium . Strain SJ5-8T was most closely related to Brevibacterium yomogidense MN-6-aT, Brevibacterium daeguense 2C6-41T and Brevibacterium salitolerans TRM 415T with similarities of 98.9, 97.5 and 97.4 %, respectively. The DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain SJ5-8T and the type strains of B. yomogidense , B. daeguense and B. salitolerans were 51.7±1.9 %, 22.2±4.0 % and 52.4±3.8 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data (major sole isoprenoid quinone, MK-8(H2); major diagnostic diamino acid, meso-diaminopimelic acid; major polyamines, putrescine and cadaverine; major cellular fatty acids, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0; major polar lipids, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; DNA G+C content, 69.3 mol%) also supported the affiliation of strain SJ5-8T to the genus Brevibacterium . Therefore, strain SJ5-8T represents a novel species of the genus Brevibacterium , for which the name Brevibacterium jeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SJ5-8T ( = KACC 16911T = JCM 18571T).

Mucilaginibacter gynuensis sp. nov., isolated from rotten wood

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain designated YC7003T, was isolated from a piece of rotten wood collected at Jinju, Korea. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated using a polyphasic approach. The strain was catalase- and oxidase-positive, grew at 4–35 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 6.5–7.0). The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH (summed feature 3), iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω5c and the major respiratory quinone was MK-7. The total genomic DNA G+C content was 49.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YC7003T belonged to the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae with 94.4–97.2 % sequence similarities with type strains of species of the genus Mucilaginibacter . The most closely related species was Mucilaginibacter mallensis MP1X4T (97.2 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain YC7003T and M. mallensis MP1X4T was 21.7±3.3 %. Based on these data, strain YC7003T represents a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter , for which the name Mucilaginibacter gynuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC7003T ( = KACC 15532T = JCM 17705T).

Gramella aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat, and emended description of Gramella echinicola

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, strictly aerobic bacterial strain motile by gliding, designated BS12T, was isolated from a tidal flat at Boseong, Korea. Cells were moderately halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive rods. Growth was observed at 5–40 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5) and in the presence of 1–11 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–4 %). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 1ω9c and anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipid pattern comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 42.3 mol% and the only respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6. Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BS12T formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Gramella . Strain BS12T was most closely related to ‘ Gramella jeungdoensis’ HMD3159 with sequence similarity of 97.5 %, but the DNA–DNA relatedness value between the two strains was only 22.1±2.2 %. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, strain BS12T was shown to represent a novel species of the genus Gramella , for which the name Gramella aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BS12T ( = KACC 16188T = JCM 17790T). An emended description of Gramella echinicola is also proposed.

Muricauda taeanensis sp. nov., isolated from a marine tidal flat

A novel Gram-stain-negative, heterotrophic, moderate halophilic and strictly aerobic bacterium, strain 105T, was isolated from a tidal flat of Taean in Korea. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive long rods that showed gliding motility. Optimum temperature, pH and salinity for the growth of strain 105T were observed at 30–37 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5, and in the presence of 2–4 % (w/v) NaCl, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. Phosphatidylethanolamine and five unidentified lipids were identified as the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 105T was 42.4 mol% and MK-6 was detected as the predominant isoprenoid quinone. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 105T formed a phyletic lineage with members of the genus Muricauda . Strain 105T was most closely related to Muricauda aquimarina SW-63T (97.6 %), Muricauda beolgyonensis BB-My12T (97.5 %), Muricauda lutimaris SMK-108T (97.5 %), Muricauda ruestringensis B1T (97.3 %), Muricauda flavescens CL-SS4T (97.2 %) and Muricauda olearia (96.2 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain 105T with M. aquimarina JCM 11811T, M. beolgyonensis KCTC 23501T, M. lutimaris KCTC 22173T, M. ruestringensis DSM 13258T and M. flavescens JCM 11812T were 17.2±6.0, 8.7±2.2, 3.7±0.5, 11.0±1.9 and 7.1±1.3 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, strain 105T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda , for which the name Muricauda taeanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 105T ( = KACC 16195T = JCM 17757T).

Brevundimonas abyssalis sp. nov., a dimorphic prosthecate bacterium isolated from deep-subsea floor sediment

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, psychrotolerant, alkali-tolerant, heterotrophic and dimorphic prosthecate bacterium, designated strain TAR-001T, was isolated from deep-sea floor sediment in Japan. Cells of this strain had a dimorphic life cycle and developed an adhesive stalk at a site not coincident with the centre of the cell pole, and the other type of cell, a swarm cell, had a polar flagellum. Colonies were glossy, viscous and yellowish-white in colour. The temperature, pH and salt concentration range for growth were 2–41 °C, pH 6.5–10.0 and 1–4 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain TAR-001T belongs to the family Caulobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria , and lies between the genus Brevundimonas and the genus Caulobacter . Levels of similarity between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain TAR-001T and those of the type strains of Brevundimonas species were 93.3–95.7 %; highest sequence similarity was with the type strain of Brevundimonas diminuta . Levels of sequence similarity between those of the type strains of Caulobacter species were 94.9–96.0 %; highest sequence similarity was with the type strain of Caulobacter mirabilis . The G+C content of strain TAR-001T was 67.6 mol%. Q-10 was the major respiratory isoprenoid quinone. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0, and the presence of 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol suggests strain TAR-001T is more closely to the genus Brevundimonas than to the genus Caulobacter . The mean DNA–DNA hybridization levels between strain TAR-001T and the type strains of two species of the genus Brevundimonas were higher than that of the genus Caulobacter . On the basis of polyphasic biological features and the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison presented here, strain TAR-001T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Brevundimonas , for which the name Brevundimonas abyssalis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is TAR-001T ( = JCM 18150T = CECT 8073T).

Marinicauda pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov., a prosthecate alphaproteobacterium of the family Hyphomonadaceae isolated from deep seawater

A marine prosthecate bacterium, designated strain P-1 km-3T, was isolated from deep seawater from the Pacific. Cells of strain P-1 km-3T were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, dimorphic rods with a single polar prostheca or flagellum. The strain hydrolysed gelatin and grew at 6–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and with 0.5–12 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2 %). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain P-1 km-3T belonged to the family Hyphomonadaceae in the class Alphaproteobacteria and represented a separate lineage, located between the genera Oceanicaulis and Woodsholea . Sequence similarities of strain P-1 km-3T with type strains of species of the genera Oceanicaulis and Woodsholea were 93.2–93.9 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids in strain P-1 km-3T were C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0, 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The major respiratory quinone of strain P-1 km-3T was Q-10. The polar lipids of strain P-1 km-3T comprised glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride (GUDG), monoglycosyldiglyceride (MGDG), sulfo-quinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), an unidentified phospholipid (PL) and an unidentified lipid (L). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain P-1 km-3T was 66.0 mol%. On the basis of the polyphasic data presented in this study, strain P-1 km-3T is proposed to represent a novel species in a new genus, Marinicauda pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Hyphomonadaceae . The type strain of the type species is P-1 km-3T ( = KACC 16526T = CGMCC 1.11031T).

Microbulbifer gwangyangensis sp. nov. and Microbulbifer pacificus sp. nov., isolated from marine environments

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, chemoheterotrophic and strictly aerobic bacteria, strains GY2T and SPO729T, were isolated from a tidal flat at Gwangyang Bay in Korea and a marine sponge sample from the Pacific Ocean, respectively. The two strains were halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and non-motile rods. Optimum temperature and pH for growth of both strains were observed to be 35 °C and pH 7.0–7.5, but optimum salinity for strain SPO729T [2–3 % (w/v)] was slightly higher than that for strain GY2T (1–2 %). The major cellular fatty acids of both strains were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c, C18 : 1ω7c, iso-C11 : 0 and iso-C11 : 0 3-OH. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains GY2T and SPO729T were 55.1 and 57.9 mol%, respectively, and ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was detected as the sole respiratory quinone from the two strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains GY2T and SPO729T formed tight phyletic lineages with members of the genus Microbulbifer . Strain GY2T was closely related to Microbulbifer okinawensis ABABA23T (98.2 %), strain SPO729T (98.0 %) and Microbulbifer donghaiensis CN85T (97.0 %); strain SPO729T was closely related to M. okinawensis ABABA23T (98.3 %) and M. donghaiensis CN85T (98.2 %). The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain GY2T with M. okinawensis ABABA23T, strain SPO729T and M. donghaiensis CN85T were 40.0±2.1 %, 13.1±3.9 % and 16.2±5.8 %, respectively, whereas those of strain SPO729T with M. okinawensis ABABA23T and M. donghaiensis CN85T were 48.0±4.0 % and 34.6±9.3 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, it is concluded that the two strains GY2T and SPO729T represent two novel species of the genus Microbulbifer , for which the names Microbulbifer gwangyangensis sp. nov. and Microbulbifer pacificus are proposed; the type strains are GY2T ( = KACC 16189T = JCM 17800T) and SPO729T ( = KCCM 42667T = JCM 14507T), respectively.

Altererythrobacter gangjinensis sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-stain-negative, ochre-pigmented, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain KJ7T, was isolated from a tidal flat of the Gangjin bay in South Korea. Cells were halotolerant, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive rods. Growth of strain KJ7T was observed at 5–35 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 6.0–9.5 (optimum, pH 6.5–7.0) and in the presence of 0–9 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω6c, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, a sphingoglycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 60.2±0.9 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KJ7T formed a phyletic lineage distinct from other members of the genus Altererythrobacter and was most closely related to Altererythrobacter luteolus SW-109T and Altererythrobacter namhicola KYW48T (95.6 and 95.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain KJ7T represents a novel species of the genus Altererythrobacter , for which the name Altererythrobacter gangjinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KJ7T ( = KACC 16190T = JCM 17802T).

Arenibacter hampyeongensis sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-staining-negative, dark orange, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain HP12T, was isolated from a tidal flat at Hampyeong in South Korea. Cells were moderately halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-motile rods. Growth was observed at 5–35 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5), and in the presence of 1–6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1–2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipid pattern indicated the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 37.1 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus Arenibacter and was most closely related to Arenibacter palladensis KMM 3961T, Arenibacter troitsensis KMM 3674T and Arenibacter echinorum KMM 6032T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.1 %, 98.0 % and 97.8 %, respectively. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain HP12T and A. palladensis JCM 13509T, A. troitsensis KCTC 12362T and A. echinorum KCTC 22013T were only 20.2±0.3 %, 22.6±0.6 % and 9.1±2.6 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, strain HP12T represents a novel species of the genus Arenibacter , for which the name Arenibacter hampyeongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HP12T ( = KACC 16193T = JCM 17788T).

Defluviimonas aestuarii sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat, and emended description of the genus Defluviimonas Foesel et al. 2011

A novel Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated BS14(T), was isolated from a marine tidal flat of the South Sea in Korea. Colonies were opaque, white, smooth and circular on marine agar. Cells were moderately halophilic, non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain BS14(T) was observed at 5-40 °C (optimum: 30 °C), pH 6.5-9.5 (optimum: 7.0-7.5) and 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum: 1-1.5 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.6 mol%. Strain BS14(T) contained ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as the sole respiratory quinone and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C18 : 0 3-OH, C10 : 0 3-OH and C18 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The polar lipid pattern comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified polar lipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BS14(T) formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Defluviimonas denitrificans D9-3(T) with a bootstrap value of 100 %. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain BS14(T) and D. denitrificans D9-3(T) was 97.4 % and their DNA-DNA relatedness was 19.1 ± 3.6 %. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic studies, strain BS14(T) represents a novel species of the genus Defluviimonas, for which the name Defluviimonas aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BS14(T) (= KACC 16442(T) = JCM 18630(T)). An emended description of the genus Defluviimonas Foesel et al. 2011 is also proposed.

Aestuariibaculum suncheonense gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from a tidal flat and emended descriptions of the genera Gaetbulibacter and Tamlana

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain SC17T, was isolated from sediment of a tidal flat of Suncheon bay in South Korea. Cells were halotolerant, catalase- and oxidase-positive and non-motile rods. Growth of strain SC17T was observed at 5–40 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C), at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1–8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1–2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G and anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipid content consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified amino lipids and lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 46.4 mol% and the only respiratory quinone detected was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SC17T formed a distinct phyletic lineage within the family Flavobacteriaceae and was most closely related to members of the genera Gaetbulibacter and Tamlana with 95.0–95.8 % sequence similarity. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular features, strain SC17T represents a novel genus of the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Aestuariibaculum suncheonense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SC17T ( = KACC 16186T = JCM 17789T). Emended descriptions of the genera Gaetbulibacter and Tamlana are also proposed.

Kordiimonas aestuarii sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated 101-1T, was isolated from a sea tidal flat, Taean, Korea. The strain formed small light-yellow, smooth, and circular colonies on marine agar. Cells were weakly halophilic, motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain 101-1T was observed at 15–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 6.5–7.0) and 1.0–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0–3.5 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 53.3 mol%. Strain 101-1T contained ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as the respiratory quinone and iso-C17 : 1ω9c, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 as major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 101-1T formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with members of the genus Kordiimonas and was most closely related to Kordiimonas gwangyangensis GW14-5T and Kordiimonas lacus S3-22T with 97.3 % and 96.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. The DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain 101-1T and K. gwangyangensis GW14-5T and K. lacus S3-22T were 24.8±4.4 % and 32.2±3.6 %, respectively. Based on the data from the phenotypic and genotypic studies, strain 101-1T represents a novel species of the genus Kordiimonas , for which the name Kordiimonas aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 101-1T ( = KACC 16184T = JCM 17742T).

Halomonas cibimaris sp. nov., isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood

Two moderately halophilic, facultatively aerobic, motile bacteria with flagella, designated strains 10-C-3(T) and 30-C-3, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. Cells of the strains were observed to be ovoid-rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions and production of creamy-pink pigments. Growth of strain 10-C-3(T) was observed at 15-35 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5), and in the presence of 3-15 % (w/v) salts (optimum: 5-10 %). The two strains were found to contain C(18:1) ω7c, C(16:0), summed feature 3 (as defined by the MIDI system, comprising C(16:1) ω7c and/or C(16:1) ω6c), and C(12:0) 3-OH as the major cellular fatty acids. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains 10-C-3(T) and 30-C-3 were determined to be 63.2 and 63.1 mol%, respectively and the respiratory quinone detected was ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) only. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains 10-C-3(T)and 30-C-3 formed a distinct phyletic lineage within the genus Halomonas and are most closely related to Halomonas fontilapidosi 5CR(T) with 95.2 % of 16S rRNA sequence similarity. Strains 10-C-3(T)and 30-C-3 shared 99.2 % of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and their DNA-DNA relatedness value was 96.6 ± 0.9 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strains 10-C-3(T)and 30-C-3 represent a novel species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas cibimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 10-C-3(T) (= KACC 14932(T) = JCM 16914(T)).

Leuconostoc miyukkimchii sp. nov., isolated from brown algae (Undaria pinnatifida) kimchi

A Gram-staining-positive, non-motile and non-spore-forming lactic acid bacterium, designated strain M2(T), was isolated from fermented brown algae (Undaria pinnatifida) kimchi in South Korea. Cells of the isolate were facultatively anaerobic ovoids and showed catalase- and oxidase-negative reactions. Growth of strain M2(T) was observed at 4-35 °C and at pH 5.0-9.0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 42.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain M2(T) belonged to the genus Leuconostoc and was most closely related to Leuconostoc inhae IH003(T), Leuconostoc kimchii IH25(T), Leuconostoc gasicomitatum LMG 18811(T), Leuconostoc gelidum DSM 5578(T), Leuconostoc palmae TMW2.694(T) and Leuconostoc holzapfelii BFE 7000(T) with 98.9 %, 98.8 %, 98.8 %, 98.7 %, 98.5 % and 98.2 % sequence similarity, respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain M2(T) and Leuconostoc inhae KACC 12281(T), Leuconostoc kimchii IH25(T), Leuconostoc gelidum KACC 12256(T), Leuconostoc gasicomitatum KACC 13854(T), Leuconostoc palmae DSM 21144(T) and Leuconostoc holzapfelii DSM 21478(T) were 13.8±3.2 %, 14.3±3.4 %, 9.9±1.0 %, 13.2±0.8 %, 22.4±4.9 % and 16.2±4.6 %, respectively, which allowed differentiation of strain M2(T) from the closely related species of the genus Leuconostoc. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular properties, strain M2(T) represents a novel species in the genus Leuconostoc, for which the name Leuconostoc miyukkimchii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2(T) ( = KACC 15353(T)  = JCM 17445(T)).

Pusillimonas harenae sp. nov., isolated from a sandy beach, and emended description of the genus Pusillimonas

A Gram-stain-negative, motile bacterium with two lateral flagella, designated strain B201T, was isolated from beach sand from the Taean coast in South Korea. Cells were ovoid rods and positive for catalase and oxidase. Growth of strain B201T was observed between 15 and 45 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and between pH 5.0 and 9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0–7.5). Strain B201T contained ubiquinone Q-8 as the major isoprenoid quinone, but MK-6 was also present as a minor quinone. The major fatty acids of strain B201T were C17 : 0 cyclo, C16 : 0, summed feature 2 (iso-C16 : 1 I/C14 : 0 3-OH and/or C12 : 0 ALDE), C12 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The major cellular polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid and three aminolipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 53.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain formed a phyletic lineage with Pusillimonas ginsengisoli DCY25T within the genus Pusillimonas. Strain B201T was most closely related to P. ginsengisoli DCY25T and Pusillimonas soli MJ07T with similarities of 98.6 and 97.5 %, respectively. However, DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain B201T with P. ginsengisoli DCY25T and P. soli MJ07T were 30.2±5.4 and 4.9±1.8 %, respectively. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and molecular properties, strain B201T represents a novel species of the genus Pusillimonas, for which the name Pusillimonas harenae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is B201T ( = KACC 14927T = JCM 16917T). An emended description of the genus Pusillimonas is given.

Citreicella aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated AD8T, was isolated from a tidal flat of the Taean coast in South Korea. Cells were strictly aerobic, motile, ovoid rods or rods, with two lateral flagella on one side. Strain AD8T was catalase- and oxidase-positive and able to oxidize thiosulfate and reduce nitrate to nitrite. Growth of strain AD8T was observed at 15–40 °C (optimum 25–30 °C), at pH 5.0–9.5 (optimum pH 6.0–7.5) and with 1.0–11.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.0–4.0 %). The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 67.5 mol% and the major quinone was Q-10. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain AD8T belonged to the genus Citreicella and was most closely related to Citreicella marina CK-I3-6T within the class Alphaproteobacteria (96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain AD8T represents a novel species within the genus Citreicella, for which the name Citreicella aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AD8T ( = KACC 13699T  = DSM 22011T).

Luteimonas lutimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain G3(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of the Taean coast in South Korea. Cells were moderately halotolerant and non-motile rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain G3(T) was observed between 15 and 40 °C (optimum 30 °C) and between pH 5.5 and 9.0 (optimum pH 6.5-7.5). Strain G3(T) contained Q-8 as the predominant lipoquinone and iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 1)ω9c, iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(11 : 0) as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain G3(T) formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Luteimonas mephitis B1953/27.1(T) within the genus Luteimonas and was most closely related to L. mephitis B1953/27.1(T) with 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain G3(T) and L. mephitis B1953/27.1(T) was 35.2 ± 3.3 %. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and molecular properties, strain G3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Luteimonas, for which the name Luteimonas lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is G3(T) (= KACC 14929(T) = JCM 16916(T)).