Abstract
The taxonomic positions of Weissella kimchii and Weissella cibaria were examined using phenotypic tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNADNA hybridization. The two species displayed very similar sugar-fermentation patterns and produced the D-form of lactic acid. Phylogenetic analysis showed that W. cibaria is the closest neighbour of W. kimchii, sharing about 99·7 % similarity in the 16S rRNA gene sequence. DNADNA hybridization experiments further reinforced these results, demonstrating a 98·2 % reassociation level between W. cibaria LMG 17699T and W. kimchii DSM 14295T. On the other hand, strain RO5, an isolate from paddy rice silage, exhibited 99·4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and a DNA reassociation level of more than 97 % with both type strains. Therefore, it is proposed that the species W. kimchii should be reclassified as W. cibaria.