sp. nov., a novel non-nodulating and non-nitrogen-fixing species isolated from the root nodules of sampled in Tunisia.

A comprehensive polyphasic taxonomic investigation integrating taxongenomic criteria was conducted on strain IRAMC:0171 isolated from the root nodules of in Tunisia. This Gram-stain-negative and aerobic bacterium thrived within a temperature range of 5-45 °C, optimal at 28 °C, and tolerated salt concentrations from 0-6 % NaCl, with an optimal range of 0-3 %. It displayed pH tolerance from pH 4 to 10, thriving best at pH 6.8-7.5. Chemotaxonomically, strain IRAMC:0171 was characterized by diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine as polar lipids. Its predominant fatty acid composition was C 7c (61.2 %), and the primary ubiquinone was Q10 (97 %). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of strain IRAMC:0171 showed 99.08 % similarity to ICMP 19557, ACCC 19665, and IAM 14158. However, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses revealed values ranging from 21.1 to 25.2 % and 77.05 to 82.24 %, respectively, signifying significant deviation from established species demarcation thresholds. Phylogenetic studies, encompassing 16S rRNA, whole-genome-based tree reconstruction, and core protein analysis, positioned strain IRAMC:0171 closest to KCTC 72278 and '' UASWS1009, forming together a distinct branch within the genus . In consideration of this comprehensive data, we propose strain IRAMC:0171 (=DSM 112841=CECT 30767) as the type strain of a new species named sp. nov.