Validity of the Genus Alcaligenes

Abstract

whether certain soil bacteria are related to the genus Alcaligenes as recognized in recent editions of Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. So far as concerns the relationships between the soil bacteria and plant parasites discussed in that paper, the reasoning still seems sound. In one or two particulars, how-ever, modification of the conclusions seems necessary in light of further evidence that has been obtained. This evidence relates to the identity of the type species, Alcaligene,s faecali. The statement was made in that paper: "Apparently, therefore, there is a commonly recognized organism to which the name Alcali-genes faecalis can be assigned. " Evidence is now at hand which makes that statement doubtful. Before presenting this evidence, however, a few words are necessary as to the history of this name, and of the specific designation. HISTORICAL Petruschky (1896) applied the name Bacillus faecalis alcaligenes to a peri-trichous, non-spore-forming rod of intestinal origin, producing no acid in sugar broths and causing alkalinity in milk; no detailed description was given. It was