Amycolatopsis ponsaeliensis sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from the root nodules of Alnus glutinosa.

The root nodules of Alnus glutinosa remain a relatively understudied niche, with poorly described associated microbial communities. In this study, the isolate RTGN1^T was recovered from root nodules collected from Gateshead, UK, and was identified as belonging to Amycolatopsis based on 16S rRNA gene similarity and phylogenomic placement. This isolate was polyphasically characterized, displaying the ability to grow between 12 and 28 °C and pH 6 and 8 and exhibiting the genes necessary to produce the polar lipids phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerophosphate, alongside DL-type peptidoglycan, which are diagnostic of Amycolatopsis. Overall genomic relatedness index values were below the cut-off value for delineating a novel species. As such, it is proposed that RTGN1^T be recognized as the type strain (=CECT 30870^T=CABI 507287^T) of Amycolatopsis ponsaeliensis sp. nov. The RTGN1^T isolate was screened using in silico and in vitro methods and was found to possess a number of genes and pathways related to secondary metabolite production and plant growth promotion. Such genes may serve as an avenue of future study regarding biotechnological potential and use as a bioinoculant to increase phytoremediation efficiency.