Genome-based reclassification of Kitasatospora niigatensis as a later heterotypic synonym of Kitasatospora cineracea Tajima et al. (2001).

The present study used genome-based approaches to investigate the taxonomic relationship between Kitasatospora cineracea DSM 44780T and Kitasatospora niigatensis DSM 44781T, two species that were previously described by Tajima et al. (Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 51:1765-1771, 2001). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average amino acid identity (AAI), and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between the genomes of the two type strains were 90.3, 98.7, and 99.1%, respectively. These values exceeded the established thresholds of 70% (dDDH) and 95-96% (ANI and AAI) for bacterial species delineation, suggesting that K. cineracea and K. niigatensis should share the same taxonomic position. Furthermore, our analysis using the 'Bacterial Pan Genome Analysis' (BPGA) pipeline and the Maximum Likelihood core-genes tree inferred using FastTree2 consistently demonstrated that K. cineracea DSM 44780T and K. niigatensis DSM 44781T are closely related, as indicated by the clustering of these strains in the core-genes phylogenomic tree. Based on these findings, we propose that K. niigatensis should be considered a later heterotypic synonym of K. cineracea.

Genome-based reclassification of Actinopolyspora righensis Meklat et al. 2013 as a later heterotypic synonym of Actinopolyspora lacussalsi Guan et al. 2013 and description of Actinopolyspora lacussalsi subsp. lacussalsi subsp. nov. and Actinopolyspora lacussalsi subsp. righensis subsp. nov.

A genome led phylophasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic status of a strain, DSM 45956, recovered from a Saharan desert soil. A wealth of taxonomic data, including average nucleotide identity and DNA:DNA hybridization (DDH) values, showed that the isolate and the type strains of Actinopolyspora lacussalsi and Actinopolyspora righensis belong to the same species. Consequently, it is proposed that A. righensis is a heterotypic synonym of A. lacussalsi. Similarly, DDH values and associated phenotypic data show that A. lacussalsi contains two subspecies, A. lacussalsi subsp. lacussalsi and A. lacussalsi subsp. righensis which includes isolate DSM 45956.

Actinobacteria Associated with Vineyard Soils of Algeria: Classification, Antifungal Potential Against Grapevine Trunk Pathogens and Plant Growth-Promoting Features.

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are among the most destructive diseases of vineyards worldwide, including Algeria. In the fungal complex involved in GTD symptoms, referred as grapevine trunk-pathogens, Paeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium minimum have a determining infecting role as pioneer fungi. Due to the lack of efficiency of conventional disease management practices, a search for alternative strategies, such as biocontrol, is needed. Taking the approach of looking for biocontrol candidates in the environment surrounding the plant, the present study explored actinobacteria diversity within vineyard soils of six grape-producing regions in Algeria. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence, identification and phylogenic analysis were performed on the 40 isolates of actinobacteria obtained. Forty percent of strains were attached to Streptomyces, including two evidenced new species, and 32.5% were affiliated to Saccharothrix. The other less represented genera were Actinoplanes, Nocardia, Nocardiopsis, Lentzea, Nonomuraea, Promicromonospora, Saccharopolyspora and Streptosporangium. Screening based on antagonistic and plant growth promotion (PGP) abilities of the strains showed that 47.5% of the isolates exhibited appreciable antagonistic activities against both Pa. chlamydospora and Pm. minimum, with the two best strains being Streptomyces sp. Ms18 and Streptomyces sp. Sb11. Screening for plant growth promoting properties demonstrated that majority of the strains were able to produce indole acetic acid, siderophores, ammonia, ACC deaminase, cellulase and amylase, and fix N2. Through a PGP-traits-based cluster analysis, the most interesting strains were highlighted. Taking into account both antagonistic and PGP properties, Streptomyces sp Sb11 was selected as the most promising candidate for further evaluations of its efficiency in a GTDs context.

Thermoactinomyces khenchelensis sp. nov., a filamentous bacterium isolated from soil sediment of a terrestrial hot spring.

A novel thermophilic filamentous bacterium, designated strain T36(T), was isolated from soil sediment sample from a hot spring source collected in Khenchela province, Algeria. Strain T36(T) was identified as a member of the genus Thermoactinomyces by a polyphasic approach. Strain T36(T) was observed to form white aerial mycelium and non-coloured to pale yellow substrate mycelium, both producing endospores, sessile or borne by short sporophores. The optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 37-55 °C and 7.0-9.0, respectively and the optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 0-7 % (w/v). The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone of strain T36(T) was identified as MK-7 (H0). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0. The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphoglycolipid. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain T36(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Thermoactinomyces. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the sequence similarities between strain T36(T) and Thermoactinomyces species with validly published names were less than 98 %. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain T36(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Thermoactinomyces khenchelensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T36(T) (=DSM 45951(T) = CECT 8579(T)).

Bounagaea algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an extremely halophilic actinobacterium isolated from a Saharan soil of Algeria.

A novel halophilic actinobacterium strain, designated H8(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in El-Goléa, South Algeria. Strain H8(T) was identified as representing a new genus using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain H8(T) shared the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with 'Mzabimyces algeriensis' DSM 46680(T) (93.0 %), Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis DSM 45606(T) (91.2 %), Halopolyspora alba DSM 45976(T) (90.8 %) and Actinopolyspora mortivallis DSM 44261(T) (90.0 %). The strain was found to grow optimally at 28-35 °C, at pH 6.0-7.0, and in the presence of 15-25 % (w/v) NaCl. The substrate mycelium was observed to be well developed and fragmented in liquid medium and on solid medium. The aerial mycelium was observed to be moderately abundant and to form long chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced and ovoid or spherical spores at maturity. The cell wall of strain H8(T) was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell hydrolysates were found to mainly contain arabinose and galactose. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine, and MK-9(H4), MK-9(H2) and MK-10(H2) were found to be the predominant menaquinones. The major cellular fatty acids were determined to be anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C15:0. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain H8(T) was determined to be 71.3 mol%. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the strain represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Bounagaea algeriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H8(T) (=DSM 45966(T) = CECT 8470(T)).

Deoxynivalenol-producing ability of Fusarium culmorum strains and their impact on infecting barley in Algeria.

The cereal-pathogenic Fusarium culmorum (W.G. Smith), causal agent of various blights and rot diseases, is considered as a chronic fungus of economic concern worldwide including North African countries such as Algeria. This pathogen produces a wide range of mycotoxins, amongst which the type B-trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON). In addition to its acute and chronic side effects in livestock and humans, DON is believed to play a determinant role in the pathogenesis toward Triticeae. However, regardless its significant occurrence and impact, little is known about trichothecenes-producing ability of F. culmorum infecting cereals in Algeria. The PCR assay based on Tri genes of 12 F. culmorum strains (designated Fc1-Fc12), which were recovered from several cropping areas of North Algeria, revealed their trichothecenes-producing ability with 3-AcDON genotype. The molecular prediction was confirmed by HPLC analysis. All strains were able to produce the toxin at detectable levels. Strains Fc1 and Fc12 were the highest producers of this mycotoxin with 220 and 230 µg g(-1), respectively. The evaluation of pathogenic ability of strains through a barley infesting experiment exhibited the significant disease impact of most strains. Significant correlation between the DON-producing ability of strains and the increase in both disease severity (r = 0.88, P = 0.05) and disease occurrence (r = 0.70, P = 0.05) was observed. Chemotyping of F. culmorum isolates and evaluation of their pathogenic ability are reported for the first time for isolates from Algeria, and highlights the important potential of F. culmorum to contaminate cultivated cereal with DON trichothecenes.

Prauserella isguenensis sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from desert soil.

Two actinomycete strains, designated H225(T) and H137, were isolated from two soil samples collected from the arid region of Ahbas at Béni-Isguen (Mzab), located in the Algerian Sahara. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the novel strains should be assigned to the genus Prauserella of the family Pseudonocardiaceae , and they were therefore subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. These two strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and arabinose and galactose as major whole-cell sugars. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4), and the major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain H225(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbours, namely Prauserella flava DSM 45265(T), Prauserella alba DSM 44590(T), Prauserella aidingensis DSM 45266(T), Prauserella salsuginis DSM 45264(T) and Prauserella sediminis DSM 45267(T), were clearly below the 70% threshold used for species delineation. The genomic DNA G+C content of strains H225(T) and H137 was 70.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strains H225(T) and H137(T) are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Prauserella , for which the name Prauserella isguenensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H225(T) ( =DSM 46664(T) = CECT 8577(T)).

Actinopolyspora biskrensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete isolated from Northern Sahara.

A novel halophilic, filamentous actinomycete, designated H254(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Biskra (Northern Sahara), and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The strain is Gram-positive, aerobic, and halophilic, and the optimum NaCl concentration for growth is 15-20 % (w/v). The cell-wall hydrolysate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine, and MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acid profiles were anteiso-C17:0 (32.8 %), C15:0 (28 %), and iso-C17:0 (12.3 %). Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain H254(T) formed a well-separated sub-branch within the radiation of the genus Actinopolyspora, and the microorganism was most closely related to Actinopolyspora saharensis DSM 45459(T) (99.2 %), Actinopolyspora halophila DSM 43834(T) (99.1 %), and Actinopolyspora algeriensis DSM 45476(T) (99.0 %). Nevertheless, the strain had relatively lower mean values for DNA-DNA relatedness with the above strains (57.2, 68.4, and 45.6 %, respectively). Based on phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, we propose that strain H254(T) represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora biskrensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of A. biskrensis is strain H254(T) (=DSM 46684(T) =CECT 8576(T)).

Nocardiopsis algeriensis sp. nov., an alkalitolerant actinomycete isolated from Saharan soil.

An alkalitolerant actinomycete strain, designated B32(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Adrar province (South of Algeria), and then investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to produce short chains of spores on the dichotomous branched aerial mycelium and formed a fragmented substrate mycelium. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 0-5 % (w/v) and the optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 25-35 °C and 7.0-10.0 °C, respectively. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones of strain B32(T) were identified as MK-10 (H4) and MK-11 (H4). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain B32(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Nocardiopsis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain B32(T) is most closely related to Nocardiopsis alba DSM 43377(T) (98.7 %), Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048(T) (98.6 %), Nocardiopsis aegyptia DSM 44442(T) (98.6 %), Nocardiopsis sinuspersici HM6(T) (98.6 %) and Nocardiopsis arvandica HM7(T) (98.5 %). However, the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain B32(T) and the closely related type strains were 17.9, 14.6, 31.1, 27.1 and 14.1 %, respectively. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain B32(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Nocardiopsis algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B32(T) (=DSM 45462(T) = CECT 8712(T)).

Streptomonospora algeriensis sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from soil in Algeria.

A halophilic actinomycete strain, designated H27(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hypersaline habitat in Djelfa Province (North-Central Algeria), and then investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was observed to produce poor aerial mycelium, which formed short chains of oval to cylindrical-shaped spores at maturity, and non fragmented substrate mycelium. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 10-15 % (w/v) and the optimum growth temperature and pH were found to be 28-37 °C and 6-7, respectively. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones of strain H27(T) were identified as MK-11 (H4) and MK-10 (H6). The major fatty acids were found to be iso-C16:0, anteiso-C17:0, 10 methyl C17:0 and 10 methyl C16:0. The diagnostic phospholipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The chemotaxonomic properties of strain H27(T) are consistent with those shared by members of the genus Streptomonospora. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain H27(T) is most closely related to Streptomonospora alba DSM 44588(T) (98.8 %) and Streptomonospora flavalba DSM 45155(T) (98.7 %) whereas the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain H27(T) and the two type strains were 17.1 and 57.9 %, respectively. Based on the combined genotypic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that strain H27(T) should be classified as representative of a novel species, for which the name Streptomonospora algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H27(T) (=DSM 45604(T) =CCUG 63369(T) =MTCC 11563(T)).

Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis sp. nov., an extremely halophilic actinomycete isolated from Algerian Saharan soil.

A novel halophilic actinomycete, strain designated H53(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected from Chaâbet Ntissa, Béni-isguen, Ghardaïa (South of Algeria) and was characterized taxonomically by means of polyphasic approach. Optimal growth was found to occur at 30-35 °C, pH 6-7 and in the presence of 15-25% (w/v) NaCl. The strain was observed to produce abundant aerial mycelium, which formed long chains of rod-shaped spores at maturity, and well developed and fragmented substrate mycelium. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid; the diagnostic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be iso- and anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, and cis9 iso-C17:1. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence showed that this strain formed a distinct phyletic line within the radiation of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities between strain H53(T) and other members of the genus Saccharopolyspora ranged from 92.1 to 94.3%. The DNA G+C content of strain H53(T) was 72.6%. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the strain H53(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora ghardaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H53(T) (=DSM 45606(T)=CCUG 63370(T)=CECT 8304(T)).

Actinopolyspora righensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete isolated from Saharan soil in Algeria.

A novel halophilic actinomycete strain, H23(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in Djamâa (Oued Righ region), El-Oued province, South Algeria. Strain H23(T) was identified as a member of the genus Actinopolyspora by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain H23(T) had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 97.8 % (Actinopolyspora xinjiangensis TRM 40136(T)) to 94.8 % (Actinopolyspora mortivallis DSM 44261(T)). The strain grew optimally at pH 6.0-7.0, 28-32 °C and in the presence of 15-25 % (w/v) NaCl. The substrate mycelium was well developed and fragmented with age. The aerial mycelium produced long, straight or flexuous spore chains with non-motile, smooth-surfaced and rod-shaped spores. Strain H23(T) had MK-10 (H4) and MK-9 (H4) as the predominant menaquinones. The whole micro-organism hydrolysates mainly consisted of meso-diaminopimelic acid, galactose and arabinose. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C17:0 (37.4 %), iso-C17:0 (14.8 %), iso-C15:0 (14.2 %), and iso-C16:0 (13.9 %). The genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora righensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H23(T) (=DSM 45501(T) = CCUG 63368(T) = MTCC 11562(T)).

Actinopolyspora mzabensis sp. nov., a halophilic actinomycete isolated from an Algerian Saharan soil.

A halophilic actinomycete strain, designated H55(T), was isolated from Saharan soil sampled in the Mzab region (Ghardaïa, southern Algeria) and was characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the characteristic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-10(H4) and MK-9(H4). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Actinopolyspora, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain H55(T) was a member of this genus. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain H55(T) and the type strains of the nearest species of the genus Actinopolyspora, Actinopolyspora erythraea and A. alba, were clearly below the 70 % threshold. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the organism represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora mzabensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H55(T) ( = DSM 45460(T) = CCUG 62965(T)).

Actinopolyspora saharensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete isolated from a Saharan soil of Algeria.

A novel halophilic actinomycete, strain H32(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil sample collected in El-Oued province, south Algeria. The isolate was characterized by means of polyphasic taxonomy. Optimal growth was determined to occur at 28-32 °C, pH 6.0-7.0 and in the presence of 15-25 % (w/v) NaCl. The strain was observed to produce abundant aerial mycelium, which formed long chains of rod-shaped spores at maturity, and fragmented substrate mycelium. The cell wall was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid and the characteristic whole-cell sugars were arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were found to be MK-10(H4) and MK-9(H4). The predominant cellular fatty acids were determined to be anteiso C17:0, iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. The diagnostic phospholipid detected was phosphatidylcholine. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this strain formed a distinct phyletic line within the radiation of the genus Actinopolyspora. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicated that strain H32(T) was most closely related to 'Actinopolyspora algeriensis' DSM 45476(T) (98.8 %) and Actinopolyspora halophila DSM 43834(T) (98.5 %). Furthermore, the result of DNA-DNA hybridization between strain H32(T) and the type strains 'A. algeriensis' DSM 45476(T), A. halophila DSM 43834(T) and Actinopolyspora mortivallis DSM 44261(T) demonstrated that this isolate represents a different genomic species in the genus Actinopolyspora. Moreover, the physiological and biochemical data allowed the differentiation of strain H32(T) from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Therefore, it is proposed that strain H32(T) represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora, for which the name Actinopolyspora saharensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H32(T) (=DSM 45459(T)=CCUG 62966(T)).

Actinopolyspora algeriensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete isolated from a Saharan soil.

A halophilic actinomycete strain designated H19(T), was isolated from a Saharan soil in the Bamendil region (Ouargla province, South Algeria) and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strain were consistent with those of members of the genus Actinopolyspora, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis confirmed that strain H19(T) was a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora. DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain H19(T) and the nearest Actinopolyspora species, A. halophila, was clearly below the 70 % threshold. The genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the organism represents a novel species of the genus Actinopolyspora for which the name Actinopolyspora algeriensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain H19(T) (= DSM 45476(T) = CCUG 62415(T)).

Saccharothrix sp. PAL54, a new chloramphenicol-producing strain isolated from a Saharan soil.

An actinomycete strain designated PAL54, producing an antibacterial substance, was isolated from a Saharan soil in Ghardaïa, Algeria. Morphological and chemical studies indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Saccharothrix. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence showed a similarity level ranging between 96.9 and 99.2% within Saccharothrix species, with S. longispora DSM 43749(T), the most closely related. DNA-DNA hybridization confirmed that strain PAL54 belonged to Saccharothrix longispora. It showed very strong activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections and resistant to multiple antibiotics. Strain PAL54 secreted the antibiotic optimally during mid-stationary and decline phases of growth. One antibacterial compound was isolated from the culture broth and purified by HPLC. The active compound was elucidated by uv-visible and NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. The results showed that this compound was a D: (-)-threo chloramphenicol. This is the first report of chloramphenicol production by a Saccharothrix species.

Isolation, taxonomy, and antagonistic properties of halophilic actinomycetes in Saharan soils of Algeria.

The diversity of a population of 52 halophilic actinomycetes was evaluated by a polyphasic approach, which showed the presence of members of the Actinopolyspora, Nocardiopsis, Saccharomonospora, Streptomonospora, and Saccharopolyspora genera. One strain was considered to be a new member of the last genus, and several other strains seemed to be new species. Furthermore, 50% of strains were active against a broad range of indicators and contained genes encoding polyketide synthetases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases.