Taxonomic implications of synthesis of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate and other poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoates by aerobic pseudomonads

Whereas poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by Pseudomonas species is rare, synthesis of medium-chain-length poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs) other than PHB, has been observed in fluorescent and non-fluorescent species. Contrary to original reports, Pseudomonas corrugata and Pseudomonas ficuserectae accumulate mcl-PHAs and not PHB. The taxonomic implications of these characteristics are discussed.