Research Features
The use of genome data to characterize species and elucidate relationships, particularly between problematic taxa, has become routine practice in bacteria. Recently, researchers from FABI joined in an international effort to describe two novel genera and characterize these within the larger context of the important bacterial group Burkholderia.
The large bacterial group, Burkholderia sensu lato, currently comprise of more than a hundred species that employ a variety of lifestyles. Members of this group range from plant pathogens, plant-growth promoting bacteria and also clinically important species. The taxonomy of this group has also been under intense scrutiny, due to the biotechnological potential of various beneficial strains and isolates.
In 2017, researchers from FABI provided genome-based phylogenetic evidence in support of the robust division of Burkholderia into three genera, namely Burkholderia sensu stricto, Caballeronia and Paraburkholderia (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2017.01154/full). This division of the genus allowed the recovery of well supported distinct groups broadly corresponding to pathogens, environmental species and plant-beneficial species (including various nodulators).
The taxonomic standing of this group of species recently came under examination again, when an international effort was made to investigate the evolution of these taxa using phylogenetics, phylogenomics and pathogenicity (http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/9/8/389). Amongst the international team of researchers conducting the study was Dr Marike Palmer, Chrizelle Beukes, Prof Emma Steenkamp and Prof Fanus Venter from FABI.
The results of this study provides good support for the recognition of another two genera, namely Mycetohabitans (referring to the ability of species in this genus to inhabit the fungus Rhizopus microsporus) and Trinickia (named after M.J. Trinick, who first isolated beta-rhizobia from Mimosa).
