Search Results (118)

A novel photoheterotrophic, beige-pigmented, bacteriochlorophyll a-containing strain KR11^T was isolated from Kaprový pond in Třeboň, Czechia. KR11^T cells were Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and motile. The isolated strain grew under photoheterotrophic conditions between 20 and 40 °C (optimum 22–25 °C), at pH ranges from 6.0 to 9.0 (optimum 7.0). It did not require NaCl for growth but tolerated NaCl concentrations up to 1.5% (w/v). No growth was observed under photoautotrophic conditions. Strain KR11^T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of Stagnihabitans tardus CYK-10^T (98.84%), Tabrizicola fusiformis SY72^T (95.95%), and Rhodobacter sediminis N1^T (95.37%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain KR11^T clusters within the genus Stagnihabitans in the family Paracoccaceae of class Alphaproteobacteria. The whole-genome sequence of strain KR11^T comprises 4,085,976 bp with a 65 mol% G+C content. Phylogenomic analysis, including core-genome phylogeny, and the low genomic similarity (<95% ANI and <70% dDDH) to phylogenetically related taxa confirmed the taxonomic separation of strain KR11^T at the species level. The distinctive phenotypic traits, chemotaxonomic studies, phylogenetic, and genomic analysis establish strain KR11^T as a novel species within the genus Stagnihabitans. Accordingly, we propose the name Stagnihabitans lacustris sp. nov. KR11^T (=CCUG 74777^T, LMG 31924^T), isolated from fresh water. Full article

Gram-stain-positive, endospore-producing, mesophilic and rod-shaped strain O16^T was isolated from a copper mine’s soil and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The 16S rRNA gene-sequence analysis revealed that strain O16^T belongs to the genus Saccharibacillus. It exhibited the highest sequence similarity to Saccharibacillus endophyticus JM-1350^T (97.2%), followed by ‘Saccharibacillus alkalitolerans’ VR-M41^T (97.1%), Saccharibacillus sacchari GR21^T (96.8%), Saccharibacillus kuerlensis HR1^T (96.6%), and Saccharibacillus deserti WLJ055^T (95.7%). Genome-based comparisons revealed that the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain O16^T and its closest relatives, S. endophyticus JM-1350^T and ‘S. alkalitolerans’ VR-M41^T, were 21.3% and 22.3%, and 76.6% and 77.6%, respectively, which are well below the recommended thresholds for species delineation. The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell wall was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids in strain O16^T. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content was 53.4%. The major cellular fatty acids present were anteiso-C_15:0 (60.8%), iso-C_16:0 (9.5%) and C_16:1 ω11c (7.4%). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic evidence, strain O16^T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Saccharibacillus. This data strongly supports the classification of the strain O16^T as a novel species in the genus Saccharibacillus, for which we propose the name Saccharibacillus soli sp. nov. strain O16^T (=CCM 8781^T = KCTC 33898^T). Full article

A microbial community study using a culture-dependent method was conducted on dehydrated sludge collected from a steel factory’s wastewater treatment plant. One isolate, designated QWL-01^T, was a strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium with coccoid cells measuring 0.6–0.9 μm in diameter. The growth of strain QWL-01^T was observed at 4–40 °C (optimum at 28–35 °C), pH 5.5–8.0 (optimum at pH 7.1), and a range of 0–3% NaCl (optimum at 0.5%). An analysis of the Biolog AN plate revealed positive carbon source utilization only for palatinose, α-ketovaleric acid, and pyruvic acid. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C_13:0 (17.0%), C_16:0 dimethyl acetal (12.0%), and anteiso-C_13:0 (9.2%). A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis through BLASTN demonstrated that the nearest phylogenetic neighbors of the novel strain were Youngiibacter multivorans DSM 6139^T (93.82%) and Proteiniclasticum ruminis JCM 14817^T (93.75%). The genome size of strain QWL-01^T was 3.69 Mbp, with a G+C content of 50.8 mol%. Comparing strain QWL-01^T with closely related species of genera Proteiniclasticum and Youngiibacter, the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity (ANI), and average amino acid identity (AAI) values ranged from 26.60% to 36.80%, 65.89% to 68.30%, and 49.27% to 51.58%, respectively. Based on phenotypic, physiological, phylogenetic, and genomic relatedness evidence, strain QWL-01^T represents a novel genus in the family Clostridiaceae, for which the name Anaerococcoides asporogena gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed. Strain QWL-01^T (=BCRC 81396^T = CICC 25258^T = NBRC 117088^T) is the type strain of the proposed novel species. Full article

A newly discovered facultative anaerobic strain, designated as LXY-3^T, was obtained from a soil sample collected at an industrial site in Guangxi, China, known for heavy metal processing. An investigation including phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic traits was conducted. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA showed that LXY-3^T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus. The closest phylogenetic relative of this strain was Paenibacillus anaericanus MH21^T with the similarity of 97.03%. Iso-C_15:0, antéiso-C_15:0, and C_16:1 ω7c alcohol were the major cellular fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), unidentified phospholipids (PL1-PL8), unidentified resistant material (RM1–RM4), and lipids (L1–L3). For genome sequencing, the genomic DNA G+C content of the strain is 51.2 mol%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain LXY-3^T and its closest phylogenetic relatives within the genus Paenibacillus (represented by type strains) were consistently below the 95% species demarcation threshold. Nitrogen fixation gene cluster (nifB, nifE, nifK, nifN, nifV, nifX, nifD, and nifH) was conserved in the strain. Correspondingly, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values remained below the 70% cutoff for species delineation. These genomic metrics provide compelling evidence that strain LXY-3^T represents a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. The type strain LXY-3^T (=CGMCC 1.64949^T = JCM 37600^T) is proposed. Full article

Endophytic bacteria from plants adapted to arid and semi-arid environments represent an underexplored reservoir of microbial diversity with potential agricultural applications. Here, we report a polyphasic taxonomic and genome-based characterization of Achromobacter sp. isolates recovered from root and foliar tissues of Citrullus colocynthis and Peganum harmala, two medicinal plants thriving under harsh environmental conditions. Whole-genome sequencing, phylogenomic analyses, average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), multilocus sequence typing, and detailed phenotypic profiling revealed three previously undescribed species, for which we propose the names Achromobacter colocynthi sp. nov., Achromobacter maghribensis sp. nov., and Achromobacter semiaridum sp. nov. Genome assemblies were highly complete (98.7–99.2%) with minimal contamination (<1%), supporting robust taxonomic inference. All three species displayed ANI and dDDH values below accepted thresholds relative to their closest phylogenetic neighbors, despite partial inconsistencies in 16S rRNA similarity for one isolate, highlighting the value of genome-wide metrics for species delineation. Phylogenomic analyses placed the novel taxa within Achromobacter sp. as distinct evolutionary lineages. Phenotypic characterization indicated broad metabolic versatility, including utilization of carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids, tolerance to moderate salinity and acidic pH, and resistance to multiple antimicrobial compounds, traits likely linked to adaptation to endophytic lifestyles under semi-arid conditions. Beyond their taxonomic novelty, the isolates exhibited in vitro traits associated with plant adaptation and stress tolerance, including IAA production, ACC deaminase activity, and tolerance to Zn, Cu, and Cd. Genomic analyses further indicated functions related to phosphate acquisition and stress response. These findings expand the taxonomic framework of Achromobacter sp., establish C. colocynthis and P. harmala as reservoirs of novel endophytic bacteria, and highlight their potential relevance for agricultural biotechnology in stress-prone environments. Full article

Two sulfur-oxidizing bacterial strains, FCG-A2^T and FCG-A23^T, were isolated from coastal sediments collected in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences placed strain FCG-A2^T within the genus Pseudothioclava and strain FCG-A23^T within the genus Terasakiella. Genomic relatedness (ANI, AAI, dDDH, and POCP) to the closest described taxa was below the accepted species thresholds, demonstrating that both isolates represent novel species. Strain FCG-A2^T grew at 15–35 °C (optimum 25–30 °C), at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum pH 8.0), and with 1–4% (w/v) NaCl concentrations (optimum 3%). Strain FCG-A23^T grew at 20–33 °C (optimum 25–30 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0), and with 2–6% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2%). For both strains, ubiquinone-10 was the major respiratory quinone, and the predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C_16:1ω7c and/or C_16:1ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C_18:1ω7c and/or C_18:1ω6c); strain FCG-A2^T additionally contained C_16:0 as a major fatty acid. Both strains oxidized thiosulfate to sulfate, consistent with the presence of genes encoding the Sox system and assimilatory sulfate reduction pathways. Comparative genome annotation further suggested a broader carbohydrate-degradation potential in FCG-A2^T than in FCG-A23^T, implying a wider ecological distribution and greater opportunities for FCG-A2^T to perform sulfur oxidation across habitats. The draft genomes had G + C contents of 62.09% (FCG-A2^T) and 49.06% (FCG-A23^T). Based on these results, we propose Pseudothioclava alba sp. nov. (type strain FCG-A2^T = MCCC 1K08969^T = KCTC 8462^T) and Terasakiella sediminum sp. nov. (type strain FCG-A23^T = MCCC 1K08972^T = KCTC 8464^T). Full article

Two marine bacteria, designated strains 4Alg 33^Tand 3Alg 14/1, were isolated from brown (Saccharina japonica) and green (Ulva fenestrata) macroalgae, respectively. These isolates were aerobic Gram-negative rods exhibiting a gliding motility. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis clearly showed their belonging to the genus Formosa, the family Flavobacteriaceae, and the phylum Bacteroidota. The closest relatives of the new strains were Formosa undariae KCTC 32328^T (99.05%), Formosa arctica IMCC 9485^T (99.05%) and Formosa agariphila KMM 3901^T (98.96%). The ANI and dDDH values between the two new strains were 97.9% and 85.3%, respectively. The AAI values between 4Alg 33^T and Formosa type strains ranged from 80.1% (Formosa haliotis MA1^T) to 91.4% (F. undariae KCTC 32328^T). The cellular fatty acid and polar lipid profiles of the new isolates were generally similar to those of the type strains of Formosa species. The genomes of 4Alg 33^T and 3Alg 14/1 are represented by a circular chromosome of 4,157,724 bp and 4,316,096 bp in size with 3536 and 3879 protein-coding genes, respectively. They shared a DNA G+C content of 34.3 mol% and comprised four rrn operons. The pangenome of the genus Formosa belongs to the open type and is characterized by an abundance of CAZymes. The proportion of CAZyme genes in novel genomes was more than 5%, with a prevalence of glycoside hydrolase genes, suggesting great potential for utilizing marine-derived polysaccharides. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, the two algal isolates represent a distinct species lineage within the genus Formosa, for which we propose the name Formosa bonchosmolovskayae sp. nov. with the type strain 4Alg 33^T (= KMM 3963^T = KCTC 72008^T). In addition, we have proposed to transfer Formosa maritima Cao et al. 2020 and Bizionia arctica Li et al. 2015 to the genus Xanthomarina Vaidya et al. 2015 as Xanthomarina maritima comb. nov. and Xanthomarina arctica comb. nov. based on a combination of the genomic and phenotypic characteristics. Full article

Soil salinization and alkalinization critically constrain alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) productivity, yet the regulatory mechanisms underlying its responses to salt–alkali stress are not fully understood. In this study, the alfalfa variety “Zhongmu No. 1” was used as experimental material. The seeds were subjected to salt stress (75 mM NaCl), alkali stress (15 mM NaHCO₃), and combined salt–alkali stress (50 mM NaCl + 5 mM NaHCO₃) in dishes, with ddH₂O serving as the control (CK). After 7 days of germination, the seedlings were transferred to a hydroponic system containing Hoagland nutrient solution supplemented with the corresponding treatments. Following 32 days of stress exposure, leaf and root tissue samples were collected for morphological and physiological measurements, as well as mRNA and miRNA sequencing analyses. Physiological assays revealed significant growth inhibition and increased electrolyte leakage under stress conditions. Transcriptome profiling identified over 5000 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both leaves and roots under stress conditions, mainly enriched in pathways related to “iron ion binding”, “flavonoid biosynthesis”, “MAPK signaling”, and “alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism”. MiRNA sequencing detected 453 miRNAs, including 188 novel candidates, with several differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) exhibiting tissue- and stress-specific patterns. Integrated analysis revealed 147, 81, and 140 negatively correlated miRNA–mRNA pairs across three treatment groups, highlighting key regulatory modules in hormone signaling and metabolic pathways. Notably, in the ethylene and abscisic acid signaling pathways, ERF (XLOC_006645) and PP2C (MsG0180000476.01) were found to be regulated by miR5255 and miR172c, respectively, suggesting a post-transcriptional layer of hormonal control. DEM target genes enrichment pathway analyses also identified stress-specific regulation of “Fatty acid degradation”, “Galactose metabolism”, and “Fructose and mannose metabolism”. qRT-PCR validation confirmed the expression trends of selected DEGs and DEMs. Collectively, these findings reveal the complexity of miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks in alfalfa’s response to salt–alkali stress and provide candidate regulators for breeding stress-resilient cultivars. Full article

A novel facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative, curved rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from blood cultures obtained from a patient with pyogenic spondylitis in Japan. The organism was additionally detected by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis in a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lumbar spine biopsy specimen from the same patient. The type strain, designated THUN1379ᵀ, is motile by means of a single polar flagellum and forms circular, white to translucent colonies on R2A agar and 5% sheep blood agar. The strain is oxidase-positive and catalase-negative and grows at temperatures ranging from 25 to 42 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed strain THUN1379ᵀ within the genus Paludibacterium (family Chromobacteriaceae), showing the highest sequence similarity to Paludibacterium purpuratum KJ031ᵀ (98.6%). Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome size of approximately 3.6 Mb with a DNA G+C content of 61.3 mol%. Phylogenomic analysis based on whole-genome sequences supported the distinct taxonomic position of strain THUN1379ᵀ within the genus. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain THUN1379ᵀ and Paludibacterium purpuratum KJ031ᵀ were 79.7% and 23.1%, respectively, which are well below the accepted thresholds for species delineation. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics, strain THUN1379ᵀ represents a novel species of the genus Paludibacterium, for which the name Paludibacterium flexuosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THUN1379ᵀ (=JCM 36560ᵀ = KCTC 8465ᵀ). Full article

A novel bacterial strain, designated as 4-30^T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, northern China. The isolate was a Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile, and coccus-shaped bacterium, and its colonies were circular, opaque, convex, smooth, and orange-pigmented on Luria–Bertani agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 4-30^T belonged to the genus Planococcus. Growth occurred at 4–38 °C (optimum, 25–28 °C), pH 6.0–11.0 (optimum, pH 9.0), and in 0–10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). Strain 4-30^T contained iso-C_14:0, anteiso-C_15:0, C_16:1 ω7c alcohol, and iso-C_16:0 as major cellular fatty acids (>10%) and MK-7 and MK-8 as predominant menaquinones. Its polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and two unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 45.9%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain 4-30^T and the closely related species were relatively low (ANIm < 85.6%, ANIb < 82.9% and OrthoANIu < 83.3%), and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) between strain 4-30^T and type strains of the genus Planococcus were 20.0–26.7%. Based on phylogenetic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, strain 4-30^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Planococcus, for which the name Planococcus circulans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 4-30^T (=CDMCC 1.2409^T = KCTC 43405^T). Full article

Two Gram-negative aerobic halophilic bacteria, designated KMM 9989^T and KMM 9879, were isolated from a bottom sediment sample of the Okhotsk Sea, Russia. The novel strains grew in 0.5–4% NaCl, at 5–35 °C and pH 5.5–10.0. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequences placed strains KMM 9989^T and KMM 9879 within the family Roseobacteraceae, where they were clustered with their closest relative Marinovum algicola KCTC 22095^T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strain KMM 9989^T and Marinovum algicola KCTC 22095^T was 81.4%. The level of digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the novel isolates KMM 9989^T and KMM 9879 was 97%, while between strain KMM 9989^T and Marinovum algicola KCTC 22095^T, it was 27%. Strains KMM 9989^T and KMM 9879 contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C_18:1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids, and three unidentified lipids. The genomic size of strains KMM 9989^T and KMM 9879 was determined to be 4,040,543 bp and 3,969,839 bp with a DNA GC content of 61.3 and 61.4 mol%, respectively. Both strains contained a common plasmid of 238,277 bp and a strain-specific plasmid (188,734 bp for KMM 9989^T and 118,029 bp for KMM 9879). It is suggested that the motility of KMM 9879 may be mediated by the presence of a complete fla2-type operon in the strain-specific chromid. Thus, based on the phylogenetic analyses and distinctive phenotypic characteristics, the novel marine strains KMM 9989^T and KMM 9879 are proposed to be classified as a novel species Marinovum sedimenti sp. nov. with the strain KMM 9989^T (=KCTC 8835^T) as the type strain of the species. Full article

N₂-fixing bacteria have great potential to be used as biofertilizer in agriculture to promote plant growth via nitrogen fixation. In this study, a novel species Fontibacillus forbon sp. nov., with strain BL-9^T as the type strain, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Fraxinus chinensis. Strain BL-9^T was able to fix nitrogen and grow on nitrogen-free medium. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain BL-9^T was most closely related to Fontibacillus phaseoli BAPVE7B (98.03%), followed by Fontibacillus solani A4STR04 (96.72%), Fontibacillus panacisegetis (96.6%), Paenibacillus vini (96.6%), and Paenibacillus segetis DB13260 (96.57%). The phylogenomic tree supported that strain BL-9^T was most closely related to F. phaseoli BAPVE7B. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strain BL-9^T and its closely related type strain, F. phaseoli BAPVE7B, were 42.5% and 90.94%, respectively, which were below the values (70% for dDDH and 95% for ANI) for species discrimination. The DNA G+C content of strain BL-9^T was 49.7%. The genome of strain BL-9^T had a nif (nitrogen fixation) gene cluster containing 10 genes (nifB nifH nifD nifK nifE nifN nifX orf1 hesA nifV). The predominant fatty acid was anteiso-C15:0, the major menaquinone was MK-7, and the major polar lipid was diphosphatidylglycerol. Strain BL-9^T and its closely related species of Fontibacillus had some common and distinguished physiological characteristics. Based on genomic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic features, strain BL-9^T represents a novel species of the genus Fontibacillus. The name proposed for this species is Fontibacillus forbon sp. nov., with the type strain BL-9^T. Full article

The genus Bizionia, a member of the Bacteroidota phylum, is considered a polyphyletic taxonomic group requiring a phylogenetic revision of its members. A novel strain 041-53-Ur-6^T was isolated from the cavity fluid of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius from the Sea of Okhotsk. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that 041-53-Ur-6^T belongs to the family Flavobacteriaceae, and its closest neighbor is [Bizionia] algoritergicola with 97.5% sequence similarity. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed the phylogenetic heterogeneity of the genus Bizionia and the clear separation of the genera “Algorimicrobium” and Hanstruepera. The inter-genus AAI values between them were 74.0–76.4%, which is slightly lower than the inter-species AAI values observed for each genus. The strain 041-53-Ur-6^T (= KMM 8389^T) formed a separated branch within the [B.] algoritergicola clade, demonstrating the highest ANI/AAI values of 80.1/81.0% with the strain [B.] algoritergicola APA-1^T. The dDDH values between strain KMM 8389^T and representatives of the genus “Algorimicrobium” ranged from 22.6% to 26.7%. Major fatty acids were iso-C_15:1 ω10c, iso-C_15:0 and iso-C_15:0 Δ2-OH. The polar lipids included a phosphatidylethanolamine, a phosphatidylglycerol, five unidentified lipids, two unidentified aminolipids, a phosphatidylcholine, and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The genome KMM 8389^T is a circular chromosome of 3,031,910 bp in size with a DNA G + C content of 33.5%. It comprises 2702 protein-coding genes and four rrn operons. Functional genomic analysis indicated the potential of KMM 8389^T for degrading starch, glycogen, and alginate due to the presence of genes encoding GH13, GH31, and GH65. Furthermore, KMM 8389^T possessed PLs 6, 7, 12, and 17, specialized for alginate, confirming the potential adaptation of this strain to algal substrates and surfaces. On the basis of the results of genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, it is clear that the strain KMM 8389^T represents a novel species with [B.] algoritergicola, [B.] argentinensis, [B.] echini, [B.] hallyeonensis, [B.] myxarmorum, [B.] psychrotolerans, and [B.] sediminis as the nearest neighbors. These taxa are classified in a single novel genus, as Algorimicrobium algoritergicola gen. nov., comb. nov., A. argentinensis comb. nov., A. echini comb. nov., A. hallyeonensis comb. nov., A. myxarmorum comb. nov., A. psychrotolerans comb. nov., A. sediminis comb. nov., and Algorimicrobium bowmanii sp. nov. 041-53-Ur-6^T (=KMM 8389^T, =KCTC 72011^T). Full article

Bradyrhizobium is a genetically diverse genus that forms symbioses with numerous legumes, including major crops such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and soybean (Glycine max). Understanding the genetic and symbiotic diversity of native strains is essential for improving inoculant technologies and enhancing biological nitrogen fixation in tropical agricultural systems. This study investigated Bradyrhizobium strains associated with these two legumes grown in adjacent tropical soils in Brazil to elucidate their genetic relationships, taxonomic placement, and host compatibility. A total of 34 Bradyrhizobium strains isolated from cowpea and soybean nodules were characterized using multilocus phylogenetic analyses (16S rRNA, gyrB, recA, and nodC). Selected strains underwent whole-genome sequencing for comparative analyses based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH). Cross-inoculation assays were performed to evaluate nodulation capacity and symbiotic efficiency on both hosts. The strains displayed high genetic diversity, forming multiple phylogenetic clusters. Most grouped within the B. elkanii superclade, whereas several occupied divergent lineages, some potentially representing new taxa. Genome-based analyses supported these findings, showing intracluster ANI values above 95–96% and intercluster values below 94%. A distinct group of cowpea-derived strains exhibited high symbiotic efficiency but low genomic similarity to known type strains, suggesting the presence of a novel species with potential use in inoculants. In contrast, some soybean-derived strains were genetically identical to commercial inoculants, indicating persistence or re-isolation from previously inoculated soils. Notably, strain BR 13971, isolated from soybean, nodulated both hosts efficiently, demonstrating a broad host range and suggesting a unique symbiovar. Cross-inoculation assays showed that soybean-derived strains effectively nodulated cowpea, whereas cowpea-derived strains did not nodulate soybean, indicating asymmetrical host compatibility. Particularly for cowpea, strains BR 10926 and BR 10750 demonstrated higher symbiotic efficiency than the strains currently recommended for this crop. Overall, these findings enhance the understanding of Bradyrhizobium diversity in tropical soils and highlight promising native strains for future inoculant development. Full article

Enterococcus alishanensis JNUCC 77 (=BLH10) was isolated from the flowers of Zinnia elegans collected at Ilchul Land, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted to clarify its taxonomic position, genomic composition, and adaptive metabolic potential. The assembled genome comprised five contigs totaling 3.86 Mb, with a G + C content of 35.6% and 100% completeness. Genome-based phylogenomic analyses using the Type Strain Genome Server (TYGS) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) confirmed that strain JNUCC 77 belongs to E. alishanensis. Functional annotation revealed enrichment of genes related to transcriptional regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, replication, and DNA repair, suggesting a lifestyle adapted to oxidative and UV-exposed floral habitats rather than pathogenic competitiveness. Genome mining with antiSMASH identified two putative biosynthetic regions associated with terpenoid and isoprenoid metabolism, which are commonly linked to redox regulation and cellular protection. These genomic features indicate that E. alishanensis JNUCC 77 has evolved a metal-assisted, redox-regulated survival strategy suitable for floral microenvironments. Given its origin from vibrant flowers and its genomic potential for redox-protective metabolism, this strain represents an attractive microbial resource for future development of nature-inspired postbiotic and cosmeceutical ingredients that align with the clean and eco-friendly image of flower-derived biotechnologies. Full article