RT Journal Article SR Electronic(1) A1 Van Oevelen, Sandra A1 De Wachter, Rupert A1 Vandamme, Peter A1 Robbrecht, Elmar A1 Prinsen, ElsYR 2002 T1 Identification of the bacterial endosymbionts in leaf galls of Psychotria (Rubiaceae, angiosperms) and proposal of 'Candidatus Burkholderia kirkii' sp. nov. JF International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, VO 52 IS 6 SP 2023 OP 2027 DO https://doi.org/10.1099/00207713-52-6-2023 PB Microbiology Society, SN 1466-5034, AB This paper reports the identification of bacterial endosymbionts inhabiting the leaf galls of Psychotria kirkii. A phylogenetic approach was used to reveal the identity of these as yet uncultivable bacterial endophytes. Based on the analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, evolutionary trees were constructed that place the endosymbiont in the genus Burkholderia. Low levels of sequence identity and rather large evolutionary distances to the closest validly named relatives indicate that these symbiotic bacteria represent a novel species. Until cultivation is successful or until more phenotypic data become available the provisional name 'Candidatus Burkholderia kirkii' sp. nov. is proposed., UL https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/ijsem/10.1099/00207713-52-6-2023