Request for an Opinion on the standing and retention of Firmicutes as a phylum name

Oren and Garrity recently published 42 new prokaryotic phylum names, including Bacillota, which they describe as a synonym of the effectively published name Firmacutes and its orthographic correction Firmicutes. However, the name Firmacutes was listed as a division in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names, which suggests that it should be treated as having been validly published. Recent emendations to rules require that a named phylum now requires a named type genus and a phylum name is formed by the addition of the suffix-ota to the stem of the name of the designated type genus. However, there are strong practi-cal arguments for retaining the name Firmicutes, notwithstanding the uncertainty over whether the name already has standing. This matter is referred to the Judicial Commission, asking for an opinion on the standing and retention of the name Firmicutes.

Automated summary

Oren and Garrity have recently published 42 new prokaryotic phylum names, including Bacillota, which they consider as a synonym of the published name Firmacutes and its correction Firmicutes. However, the name Firmacutes was initially listed as a division in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names, suggesting it should be considered valid. Recent rule changes require a named phylum to have a named type genus and be formed by adding the suffix-ota to the stem of the type genus name. Despite the uncertainty, there are practical reasons to retain the name Firmicutes. The matter has been referred to the Judicial Commission for an opinion on its standing and retention.