| Phages greatly influence the ecology and evolution of prokaryotic hosts. However, compared to hosts, a relatively low number of phages, especially halophilic phages, have been studied. This study isolated and characterized two host halophiles and their phages from the Cargill Saltworks (Newark, California). Hosts included a Salicola bacterium and an archaeon, Halorubrum. Salicola utilized 61/190 carbon substrates while Halorubrum utilized only 141190. Both hosts grew in media that was between pH 6-8.5. Salicola had a salinity growth optimum at 20% (range of 10%-30%) and a thermal maximum of 48°C. Halorubrum had a salinity growth optimum at 25% (range of 10%- 30%) and a thermal maximum of 55°C. Both phages were DNA viruses and were identified using TEM as members of the Siphoviridae family (Salicola phage) and Myoviridae family (Halorubrum phage). CG&phis;29 tolerated a broader range of environmental conditions than its host (salinity 0%-30%; pH 3-9; thermal maximum 80°C) and is the most thermotolerant halophilic phage ever reported. |
