A novel actinomycete, strain 1_25(T), was isolated from soil under a black Gobi rock sample from Shuangta, PR China, and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The results of comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated the 1_25(T) represented a member of the genus Streptomyces. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that 1_25(T) possessed MK-9(H-8) as the major menaquinone. The cell wall contained LL-diaminopimelic acid (LL-DAP) and the whole-cell sugar pattern consisted of ribose, glucose and galactose. Major fatty acid methyl esters were observed to be iso-C-16:0 (23.6%), and anteiso-C-15:0 (10.4%). The genomic DNA G+C content of 1_25(T) was 69 mol%. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that 1_25(T) had high sequence similarity with Streptomyces qinglanensis 172205(T) (98.1%), Streptomyces lycii TRM 66187(T) (98 %), and Streptomyces griseocarneus JCM4580(T) (98 %). In addition to the differences in phenotypic characters, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between 1_25(T) and closely related species were below the recommended threshold values for assigning strains to the same species. The fermentation product of 1_25(T) in ISP2 had an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus. On the basis of these genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 1_25(T) (=JCM 34936(T)=GDMCC 4.216(T)) represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces gobiensis sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated JX-17(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected in Jiangxi Province, PR China. Growth was observed at 15-48(degrees)C (optimum 37 C-degrees), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0-6.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1.0%). Strain JX-17(T) could degrade approximately 50% of 50 mg/L mesotrione within 2 days of incubation, but could not use mesotrione as sole carbon source for growth. Strain JX-17(T) showed less than 95.3% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with type strains of the genus Paenibacillus. In the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences, strain JX-17(T) formed a distinct lineage within the genus Paenibacillus. The ANI values between JX-17(T) and the most closely related type strains P. lentus CMG1240(T) and P. farraposensis UY79(T) were 70.1% and 71.4%, respectively, and the dDDH values between them were 19.0% and 23.3%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C-15:0, iso-C-16:0, anteiso-C-17:0 and C-16:0, the predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, an aminophospholipid and a phosphatidylinositol. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the DNA G + C content was 50.1 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JX-17(T) represents a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus lacisoli sp. nov is proposed, with strain JX-17(T) (= GDMCC 1.3962(T) = KCTC 43568(T)) as the type strain.

Twenty-three species of the genera Aspistomella Hendel, 1909, Polyteloptera Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia Speiser, 1929 occurring in South America (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil) form a monophyletic lineage sharing certain combinations of plesiomorphies and apomorphies with similar larval biology. The name Aspistomella Hendel, 1909 is a new senior subjective synonym of Paraphyola Hendel, 1909. The group of genera is extended by the addition of six known species, Aspistomella angustifrons (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. crucifera (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. lobioptera Hendel, 1909, A. heteroptera Hendel, 1909, A. lunata (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., Polyteloptera apotropa Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia inversa Speiser, 1929, and 17 previously unknown species. Aspistomella duo Kovac, Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. enderleini Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. garleppi Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. obliqua Kameneva, v. Korneyev & Savaris, sp. nov., A. pachitea Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. quinquincisa Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. sachavaca Smit & Kameneva, sp. nov., A. schnusei Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. steyskali Kameneva & S. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. teresensis Ara & uacute;jo, v. Korneyev & Savaris, sp. nov., A. tres Kovac, Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., Ulivellia amnoni Smit, sp. nov., U. arcuata Kovac & Kameneva, sp. nov., U. laetitiae Smit, sp. nov., U. pseudinsolita Kameneva & v. Korneyev sp. nov., and U. tenoris Kovac & Kameneva sp. nov. are described. A key to the genera and species is given. Among the Lipsanini, this group of genera is easily recognised by the combination of an enlarged, anteriorly produced epistome (lower part of the face) and a low clypeus (in the other lipsanine genera the clypeus is high and the epistome is not enlarged), which supports its monophyly, and the differentiated short parafrontal setulae and long and strong frontal and interfrontal setae, which is a synapomorphy of a larger monophyletic lineage that also includes Chaetopsis Loew, 1868 and related taxa, as well as Amethysa Macquart, 1835, Euphara Loew, 1868 and their relatives. As far as is known, most species of this larger lineage are associated with various Poaceae plants. The species included here in the Aspistomella group are also associated with neotropical tall grasses: bamboo ( Guadua ) and wild cane ( Gynerium ). Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae inhabit water-filled internode cavities (= bamboo phytotelmata) of living bamboo culms of Guadua angustifolia. Newly emerged larvae use tunnels made by lepidopteran borers (Crambidae caterpillars) to penetrate the hard bamboo walls. Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are saprophagous and adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The last instar larvae jump easily and pupate in the soil. The external morphology, cuticular sensilla and cephalopharyngeal skeletons of the third instar larvae of five Aspistomella and Ulivellia species (one with unknown adult stage) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The main features that allow the identification of larvae and puparia are the unique posterior spiracles and the structure of the abdominal creeping welts. The morphological characteristics of Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are compared with other Lipsanini and their feeding habits with other ulidiids. An identification key for Aspistomella and Ulivellia is given. The adaptations to life in bamboo phytotelmata found in both neotropical Aspistomella and Ulivellia and in oriental members of the closely related family Tephritidae are discussed.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a critical challenge in agriculture, particularly when it comes to managing fruit orchards. To address the potential damage, our study aimed to analyze 110 soil samples from pome-fruit tree rhizospheres to identify PPNs. After transferring the samples to the lab, soil washing and nematode extraction were performed using a modified combination of the sieve and centrifugation method by Jenkins, followed by fixation and transfer to glycerin according to De Grisse's method. The results showed that of the 27 identified species, Amplimerlinius parbati, Pratylenchus estoniensis, Rotylenchus bialaebursus, and R. secondus were new records for Iran. A. parbati was distinguished by between four and five head annuli, large stylet with downward knobs, and annulated tail with hemispherical shape. P. estoniensis was identified by two annuli in the lip region, well-developed empty spermathecal, and striated tail tip. R. bialaebursus possessed a rounded lip region with four annuli, phasmids in between nine and 12 annuli anterior to the anus, and a rounded tail with between six and eight annuli. R. secondus was recognized by conoid and slightly offset labial region without/with faint annulation, stylet pointed and less than 30 mu m, rounded tail and vulva situated at 50-70%. Subsequently, the potential threat of the species to fruit orchards is discussed.

Actinobacteria are abundant in soil and other environmental ecosystems and are also an important part of the human microbiota. Hence, they can also be detected in indoor environments and on building materials, where actinobacterial proliferation on damp materials can indicate moisture damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of 28 environmental strains of Actinobacteria isolated from building materials and indoor and outdoor air samples, mainly collected in the context of moisture damage investigations in buildings in Finland. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and chemotaxonomic analyses were performed, and results were compared with the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper identification. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, all isolates were identified on the species or genus level and were representatives of Streptomyces, Nocardia, and Pseudonocardia genera. Based on MALDI-TOF MS analysis, initially, 11 isolates were identified as Streptomyces spp. and 1 as Nocardia carnea with a high identification score. After an upgrade in the MALDI-TOF MS in-house database and re-evaluation of mass spectra, 13 additional isolates were identified as Nocardia, Pseudonocardia, and Streptomyces. MALDI-TOF MS has the potential in environmental strain identification; however, the standard database needs to be considerably enriched by environmental Actinobacteria representatives.IMPORTANCEThe manuscript addresses the challenges in identifying environmental bacteria using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) Biotyper-based protein profiling. The matter of the studies-actinobacterial strains-has been isolated mostly from building materials that originated from a confirmed moisture-damaged situation. Polyphasic taxonomy, 16S RNA gene sequencing, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry were applied for identification purposes. In this experimental paper, a few important facts are highlighted. First, Actinobacteria are abundant in the natural as well as built environment, and their identification on the species and genus levels is difficult and time-consuming. Second, MALDI-TOF MS is an effective tool for identifying bacterial environmental strains, and in parallel, continuous enrichment of the proteomics mass spectral databases is necessary for proper identification. Third, the chemical approach aids in the taxonomical inquiry of Actinobacteria environmental strains. The manuscript addresses the challenges in identifying environmental bacteria using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) Biotyper-based protein profiling. The matter of the studies-actinobacterial strains-has been isolated mostly from building materials that originated from a confirmed moisture-damaged situation. Polyphasic taxonomy, 16S RNA gene sequencing, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry were applied for identification purposes. In this experimental paper, a few important facts are highlighted. First, Actinobacteria are abundant in the natural as well as built environment, and their identification on the species and genus levels is difficult and time-consuming. Second, MALDI-TOF MS is an effective tool for identifying bacterial environmental strains, and in parallel, continuous enrichment of the proteomics mass spectral databases is necessary for proper identification. Third, the chemical approach aids in the taxonomical inquiry of Actinobacteria environmental strains.

Nematodes are highly abundant soil organisms, and their presence can have profound effects on soil health and plant growth. Among them, Rotylenchus species are known for their economic importance as root ectoparasites or semi-endoparasites, inflicting damage on a wide variety of economically important plants. Their impact on agricultural crops, ornamentals, and fruit and forest trees makes them significant subjects for study. In this paper, we present an updated species list of Rotylenchus spp., a genus of spiral plant-parasitic nematodes belonging to the family Hoplolaimidae. As of the current research, 107 species within the Rotylenchus genus have been recognized. To facilitate the identification of Rotylenchus species, we introduce a novel browser-based interactive key for the identification of such huge number of species. This web-assisted tool utilizes a list of 48 diagnostic character-states belonging to 11 characters for identifying 107 Rotylenchus species, providing an easy and accurate method for the identification of these plant-parasitic nematodes. This paper contributes to the understanding of Rotylenchus species' diversity and their taxonomy while offering a valuable tool to aid researchers, agricultural professionals, and plant pathologists in accurate species identification and subsequent management strategies.

This study was conducted during 2021-2022 to detect and determine distribution and population of cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) in black cabbage Brassica oleracea var. acephala L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) production areas of the Eastern Black Sea Region of T & uuml;rkiye. For it, a total of 77 samples were taken from 53 districts belonging to the Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Rize, and Trabzon provinces in the region. Soil samples were taken from around the root of the kale plants. Nematodes were extracted by using the centrifugal flotation technique. The nematodes were identified using morphological features and molecular analysis based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. For molecular analysis, the ribosomal DNA region including the gene region of 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2) was amplified using primer sets TW81/AB28. Additionally, a species-specific primer set (Car-F/Car-R) covering the Cytochrome Oxidase I (cox1) region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was used. As a result of the analysis, cyst nematodes Heterodera cruciferae Franklin, 1945 , Heterodera carotae Jones, 1950 and Heterodera fici Kirjanova, 1954 species were identified in the kale production areas in the region. Heterodera carotae is the first record of the cyst nematode species in T & uuml;rkiye. Heterodera cruciferae, H. carotae, and H. fici were detected from the total collected soil samples at 16.9%, 3.9%, and 1.3% relative frequency, respectively. Among all, Giresun was the most infected province with 35.3% infection rate, followed by Trabzon with 26.3%, Ordu with 21.1% and Rize with 13.3%.

Bacteria in the genus Arthrobacter have been found in extreme environments, e.g. glaciers, brine and mural paintings. Here, we report the discovery of a novel pink-coloured bacterium, strain QL17(T), capable of producing an extracellular water-soluble blue pigment. The bacterium was isolated from the soil of the East Rongbuk Glacier of Mt. Everest, China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain QL17(T) was most closely related to the species Arthrobacter bussei KR32 (T). However, compared to A.bussei KR32(T) and the next closest relatives, the new species demonstrates considerable phylogenetic distance at the whole-genome level, with an average nucleotide identity of <85 % and inferred DNA-DNA hybridization of <30 %. Polyphasic taxonomy results support our conclusion that strain QL17(T) represents a novel species of the genus Arthrobacter. Strain QL17(T) had the highest tolerance to hydrogen peroxide at 400 mM. Whole-genome sequencing of strain QL17(T) revealed the presence of numer-ous cold-adaptation, antioxidation and UV resistance-associated genes, which are related to adaptation to the extreme envi-ronment of Mt. Everest. Results of this study characterized a novel psychrotolerant Arthrobacter species, for which the name Arthrobacter antioxidans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is QL17(T) (GDMCC 1.2948(T)=JCM 35246(T)).

Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium strain ZFBP2030(T) was isolated from a rock on the North slope of Mount Everest. This strain contained a unique ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as a predominant respiratory quinone. Among the tested fatty acids, the strain contained summed feature 8, C-14:0 2OH, and C-16:0, as major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified aminolipids, and six unidentified lipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was a meso-diaminopimelic acid, and cell-wall sugars were ribose and galactose. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain ZFBP2030(T) was a member of the genus Sphingomonas, exhibiting high sequence similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Sphingomonas aliaeris DH-S5(T) (97.9%), Sphingomonas alpina DSM 22537(T) (97.3%) and Sphingomonas hylomeconis CCTCC AB 2013304(T) (97.0%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between ZFBP2030(T) and other typical strains was less than 97.0%. The average amino acid identity values, average nucleotide identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain ZFBP2030(T) and its highest sequence similarity strains were 56.9-79.9%, 65.1-82.2%, and 19.3-25.8%, respectively. The whole-genome size of the novel strain ZFBP2030(T) was 4.1 Mbp, annotated with 3838 protein-coding genes and 54 RNA genes. Moreover, DNA G + C content was 64.7 mol%. Stress-related functions predicted in the subsystem classification of the strain ZFBP2030(T) genome included osmotic, oxidative, cold/heat shock, detoxification, and periplasmic stress responses. The overall results of this study clearly showed that strain ZFBP2030(T) is a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas endolithica sp. nov. is proposed. The type of strain is ZFBP2030(T) (= EE 013(T) = GDMCC 1.3123(T) = JCM 35386(T)).

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, endospore-forming and UV-resistant bacterial strain, designated strain TKL69(T), was isolated from sandy soil sampled in the Taklimakan Desert. The strain grew at 20-50 degrees C, pH 6-9 and with 0-12 % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C-15:0, iso-C-15:0 and C-16:0. The only respiratory quinone was MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Diphosphatidyl glycerol, two unidentified aminophospholipids and one unidentified phospholipid were identified as the major polar lipids. Genomic DNA analysis revealed a G+C content of 38.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TKL69(T) has the highest similarity to Salinibacillus xinjiangensis CGMCC 1.12331(T) (96.9%) but belongs to an independent taxon separated from other genera of the family Bacillaceae. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses suggested that strain TKL69(T) represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Radiobacillus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain being Radiobacillus deserti TKL69(T) (=JCM 33497(T)=CICC 24779(T)).