Proposed Minimal Standards for the Description of New Genera and Species of Root- and Stem-Nodulating Bacteria

Abstract

Since the first volume of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology was published, in 1984, two additional genera and several new species of stem- and root-nodulating bacteria have been proposed; further changes to the taxonomy of this group of organisms appear likely. This paper briefly reviews the current status of “Rhizobium” taxonomy and proposes minimal standards for the description of future genera and species belonging to this group of organisms.