Fatty acid analysis of pathogenic and suppressive strains of Streptomyces species isolated in Minnesota

Cellular fatty acid analysis was assessed for identification and differentiation of seven suppressive strains of Streptomyces spp., 19 pathogenic strains of Streptomyces spp., and a S. albidoflavus-type strain (ATCC 25422). An average of 16 to 18 fatty acids in varying quantities were identified in each of the strains. The pathogenic S. scabies strains and the S. albidoflavus-type strain were distinguishable from S. acidiscabies based on average linkage cluster analysis of cellular fatty acids. With the exception of S. acidiscabies, pathogenic Streptomyces strains were distinguished from suppressive strains. To assess the utility of fatty acid composition for classification of Streptomyces strains, grouping of strains based on cellular fatty acid composition was compared to groups based on inhibitory reactions, antibiotic production, and sensitivity to other antibiotics and was similar but not identical.