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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #363976
Research Project: Use of Microorganisms to Manage Weeds and Insect Pests in Turf and Agricultural Systems

Location: Crop Bioprotection Research

Title: Lysinibacillus mangiferihumi, Lysinibacillus tabacifolii and Lysinibacillus varians are later heterotypic synonyms of Lysinibacillus sphaericus

Author
item Dunlap, Christopher

Submitted to: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/18/2019
Publication Date: 9/1/2019
Citation: Dunlap, C.A. 2019. Lysinibacillus mangiferihumi, Lysinibacillus tabacifolii and Lysinibacillus varians are later heterotypic synonyms of Lysinibacillus sphaericus. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 69(9):2958-2962. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.003577.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.003577

Interpretive Summary: This study clarifies the taxonomy of four bacterial strains. These four strains we erroneously described as separate species, but new research shows them to be the same species. Understanding the correct taxonomy and nomenclature of these strains improves the communication of ideas, prevents duplication of research and may have regulatory implications. Novel bacteria such as these may possess unique and unusual biochemical properties that make them attractive candidates to explore their potential for new uses in agriculture or biotechnology.

Technical Abstract: The current study evaluates the taxonomic positions of Lysinibacillus mangiferihumi, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Lysinibacillus tabacifolii and Lysinibacillus varians. Phylogenomics and genomic comparisons show the four strains are conspecific based on standard species thresholds for this genus (monophyletic and pairwise average nucleotide identities >96%). Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences provided in original descriptions with genome derived 16S rRNA sequences from the current study showed significant differences for three of the four strains. Variant analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences using the genomic data shows the 16S rRNA copies are polyallelic for these strains. Previously reported distinguishing phenotypes were re-examined and the strains show phenotype congruence, with the exception of a few variable traits. Based on the rules of priority, L. mangiferihumi, L. tabacifolii and L. varians are later heterotypic synonyms of L. sphaericus.