Reconsideration of Arthrobacter ilicis (Mandel et al. 1961) Collins et al. 1982 as a plant-pathogenic species. Proposal to emend the authority and description of the species. Request for an opinion.

Strains now considered to represent the type strain of Arthrobacter ilicis, described as a pathogen of American holly, are not identical. The designated type strain does not represent this pathogen. However, one of the other strains sourced to the type strain of the pathogen does appear to be authentic, but is not a member of A. ilicis. It is proposed that A. ilicis is an unrelated species, not a pathogen of American holly. The nomenclature of A. ilicis can be rectified by emending the authority and by emending the species description to recognize this species as a novel species that is not a plant pathogen. The pathogen of American holly then becomes a novel pathovar, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. ilicis. The opinion of the Judicial Commission is sought.