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 x euramericana canker

Two Gram-stain negative aerobic bacterial strains were isolated from the bark tissue of Populus (x) 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 15-3-5(T) (= CFCC 13594(T) = KCTC 42251(T)).