Phylogenetic analysis of family Neisseriaceae based on genome sequences and description of Populibacter corticis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Neisseriaceae, isolated from symptomatic bark of Populus × euramericana canker.

Yong Li,Cai-Li Lin,Xi-Zhuo Wang,Han Xue,Sheng-Qi Sang,Paula V Morais

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0174506

Abstract

Two Gram-stain negative aerobic bacterial strains were isolated from the bark tissue of Populus × euramericana. The novel isolates were investigated using a polyphasic approach including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, genome sequencing, average nucleotide identity (ANI) and both phenotypic and chemotaxonomic assays. The genome core gene sequence and 16S rRNA gene phylogenies suggest that the novel isolates are different from the genera Snodgrassella and Stenoxybacter. Additionally, the ANI, G+C content, main fatty acids and phospholipid profile data supported the distinctiveness of the novel strain from genus Snodgrassella. Therefore, based on the data presented, the strains constitute a novel species of a novel genus within the family Neisseriaceae, for which the name Populibacter corticis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15-3-5T (= CFCC 13594T = KCTC 42251T).

Highlights

In 2006, poplar bark canker with abundant white sour exudates was observed for the first time in China’s Henan and Shandong provinces
The results indicated that the novel isolates should be placed as a novel species of a novel genus in the family Neisseriaceae
The 16S rRNA gene data suggest that the novel organism should represent a separate genus

Summary

Introduction

In 2006, poplar bark canker with abundant white sour exudates was observed for the first time in China’s Henan and Shandong provinces. Diseased plants had stem or branch bark that cracked and exuded a frothy fluid, when the disease progressed, many cankers (50 to 150 by 3 to 8 cm, length by width) rapidly appeared. Populi was demonstrated to be the causal agent of these cankers [1]. P. × euramericana were found to develop bark cancer disease in China. × euramericana ‘Zhonglin 46’ was the most susceptible cultivar, followed bycultivars ‘74/76’ and P. deltoids. P. × euramericana ‘Zhonglin 46’ was the most susceptible cultivar, followed bycultivars ‘74/76’ and P. deltoids

Methods

Results

Conclusion