WO2021050927A2

WO2021050927A2 - Yeast-hydrolysate compositions and methods of their use

Info

Publication number: WO2021050927A2
Application number: PCT/US2020/050471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Morash; Mark Lejeune; Steve ZICARI
Original assignee: California Safe Soil, LLC
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2020-09-11
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: WO2021050927A3

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions comprising selected yeast strains, methods and systems of their production, and methods of their use as anti-fungal agents, animal feedstocks, or crop growth agents when used in conjunction with hydrolysates made from fresh food waste.

Description

YEAST-HYDROLYSATE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF THEIR USE

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/900,006, filed on September 13, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to compositions comprising selected yeast strains, methods and systems of their production, and methods of their use as anti-fungal agents, animal feedstocks, or crop growth agents when used in conjunction with hydrolysates made from fresh food waste.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information, publications or documents specifically or implicitly referenced herein are prior art, or essential, to the presently described or claimed inventions. All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] Yeast strains are useful for converting biological inputs into useful chemicals and proteins exhibiting changed biological activity from the input material. Yeasts have been used in a range of biological processes including crop protection, fermentation, and food production.

[0005] In the United States, food production uses approximately 50% of the land, and utilizes 80% of the total fresh water consumed. About 40% of total food production, however, goes to waste (Gunders, D., “Wasted: How America Is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork Landfill,” NRDC Issue Paper IP:12-06-B (August 2012)), which is equivalent to $200 billion lost each year. In addition, during post-harvest, 25 to 50% of the production can be lost due to plant diseases induced by microorganisms and by suboptimal handling and storage conditions (Nunes, C., Usall, J., Teixido, N., Fons, E., and Vinas, I. (2002). Post-harvest biological control by Pantoea agglomerans (CPA-2) on golden delicious apples. J. Appl. Microbiol. 92, 247-255. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2002.01524.x). Fungal species are responsible for most of these losses, including the genera Alter naria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Gloeosporium, Penicillium, Mucor, and Rhizopus (Barkai- Golan, R. (ed.). (2001). “Chapter 2-Postharvest Disease Initiation,” in Postharvest Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables (Amsterdam: Elsevier), 3-24; Dean, R., Van Kan, J. L., Pretorius, Z. A., Hammond-Kosack, K. E., Di Pietro, A., Foster, G. D., et al. (2012). The top 10 fungal pathogens in molecular plant pathology. Mol. Plant Pathol. 13, 414-430. doi:

10.1111/j.1364-3703.2011.00783.x).

[0006] Plant diseases induced by fungi are among the most significant limiting factors during pre- and post-harvest food production. While synthetic chemical fungicides have been used to control these diseases, increases in worldwide regulatory policies and concerns about environmental sustainability of the affected soil have reduced the demand for their application. Alternatively, the commercial application of yeasts as anti-fungal agents has shown low efficacy compared to synthetic fungicides, mostly due to the limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of yeast- induced responses and yeast shelf-life concerns. In crop protection, yeasts belonging to the species Aureobasidium, Rhodotorula, Cryptococcus, Metschnikowia, and Rhodosporidium have been used for the control of pathogenic fungi, in particular those pathogenic fungi responsible for fruit rot after harvesting (WO96/25039 (Rhodotorula, Cryptococcus ), US5244680 ( Cryptococcus ), US5843434 (Candida), WO02/072777 (Metschnikowia), W02008/114304 (Aureobasidium, Rhodotorula, Cryptococcus), W02009/040862 (Metschinikowia), and W02013/008173 (Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae and Cryptococcus laurentii)). These strains, however, have been limited by, inter alia, the limited aptitude of the strains for compositions with a sufficiently long effective therapeutic life after administration to a plant or fruit. Moreover, few yeast strains have demonstrated synergistic effects when a plurality of strains are co-administered to pre- or post-harvest fruit.

[0007] Typical animal feed is sourced from corn, hay, alfalfa, soy, rice, sorgum, wheat, and oats. Animal feed is typically supplemented with peanuts, soybeans, com gluten, and cottonseed to increase the feed protein content. Some yeast species have been used as a supplement to animal feed. The most common yeast species used in the feed industry used to supplement animal feed is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is typically fed in dairy cattle rations to alter rumen fermentation in an attempt to improve nutrient digestion, N-utilization, reduce the risk of rumen acidosis, and improve animal performance. In addition, dry yeasts are commonly used in probiotic products. Nutritional yeasts are used as supplements in animal feeds due to their relatively high protein and amino acid, energy, and micronutrient content compared with common feed grains and oilseed meals. Therefore, because yeast-based products have several nutritional and health benefits, they are becoming alternative supplements in animal feed due to restrictions on antimicrobial agent use in many countries. However, it is difficult for nutritionists to differentiate the composition and optimal feeding applications among the diverse number of yeast-containing products available.

SUMMARY

[0008] The inventions described and claimed herein have many attributes and aspects including, but not limited to, those set forth or described or referenced in this Summary. It is not intended to be all-inclusive and the inventions described and claimed herein are not limited to or by the features or embodiments identified in this Summary, which is included for purposes of illustration only and not restriction.

[0009] In some aspects, this disclosure provides an anti-fungal composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast agents in a yeast growth culture medium, wherein the yeast growth culture medium is made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, and emulsifying said fresh food waste.

[0010] In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast agents is selected from a yeast strain, an isolated component of the yeast strain, a yeast-exuded fungicide, a yeast-exuded resistance inducer, or a yeast-exuded competitive growth inhibitor. The yeast strain or plurality of strains may be intact or isolated, non-viable, fragments such as lysed and purified yeast cells or cell walls. The fungicide may be exuded by the one or more yeast strains. The yeast-exuded fungicide may be selected from an organic acid, an enzyme, a branched alcohol, a cyclopeptide, or an aldehyde or ketone. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded organic acid is selected from: lactic acid, acetic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-b- hydroxyphenyllactic acid, polyporic acid, azelaic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4- hydroxybenzoic acid, p-c oumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, succinic acid, 2- pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid), decanoic acid, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, (S)-(-)-2- hydroxyisocapric acid, coriolic acid, ricinoleic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, ( )-(-)- 2-hydroxyisocapric acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, butanoic acid, linear propionic acid, branched propionic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, azelaic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, dl- b-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, 4-methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienoic acid, (4- methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienal), rhodotorulic acid, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded branched alcohol is selected from: Reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-phenylethanol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 3-methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-methyl- 1 -propanol, 2-ethyl- 1-hexanol, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded cyclopeptide is selected from: cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Leu-L- Pro), cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Met-L-Pro), cyclo(Phe-Pro), cyclo(Phe-OH-Pro), cyclo(L- Phe-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-trans-4- OH-L-Pro), cyclo(L-His-L-Pro), cyclo(Leu-Leu), cyclo-(L- lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydroxy-L-prolyl-d-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydiOxy-L-prolinc), and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded aldehyde or ketone is selected from: diacetyl, 2,3- pentadione, 5-pentyl-2-furaldehyde, 2-nonanone, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded enzyme is selected from: chitinase, beta-glucanase, xylanase, protease, peroxidase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0011] In some aspects, the yeast-exuded fungicide is exogenously added to the composition. The yeast-exuded fungicide may be separately grown by yeast fermentation, isolated, and added to the anti-fungal yeast composition as a supplement.

[0012] In some aspects, the fungus targeted by the anti-fungal composition includes a pathogenic fungus. In some aspects, the fungus is a phytopathogenic fungus. In some aspects, the pathogenic fungus is mycotoxigenic. In some aspects, the fungus is necrotrophic.

[0013] In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises a plant fungal-resistance inducing agent. The plant fungal-resistance developing agent may be selected from: aluminum trichloride, aluminum tris O-ethyl phosphate, copper hydroxide, salicyclic acid, 5-chlorosalicylic acid, 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid, K2HPO3, Na₂HP0₃, methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid, laminarin, benzo(l,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S- methyl ester, chitosan, beta-aminobutyric acid, and combinations thereof. [0014] In some aspects, the yeast growth culture medium is made by a process involving two or more enzymes which are selected from a protease, a cellulase, a pectinase, a lipase, and an amylase. In some aspects, the yeast growth culture medium is made by a process involving two or more temperatures comprising a first temperature with a range of 70 degrees F to 120 degrees F, and a second temperature with a range of 120 degrees F to 140 degrees F. In some aspects, the first temperature range and the second temperature range do not overlap. In some aspects, the yeast growth culture medium is made by a process involving separating particles through filtration, gravimetric separation, decanting, or centrifugation.

[0015] In some aspects, the yeast growth culture medium comprises lipids, fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The lipids content of the yeast growth culture medium may range from 0 to 20% by weight. The fatty acids content may range from 0 to 20% by weight. The amino acids content may range from 5% to 45% by weight. The carbohydrates content may range from 1.5% to 40% by weight. In some aspects, the amino acids content of the yeast-culture medium comprises a profile of specific amino acids. In some aspects, the amino acid profile is altered from the yeast growth culture medium by the one or plurality of yeast strains.

[0016] In some aspects, the yeast growth culture medium comprises yeast. In some aspects, the yeast growth culture medium has been substantially removed of yeast. The amount of yeast removal can be 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more of the yeast relative to the initial amount of yeast initially in the yeast growth culture medium.

[0017] In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition comprises one or plurality of yeast strains which exude one or a plurality of fungal cell wall degrading enzymes selected from: heta-l,3-glucanase, chitinase, and peroxidase.

[0018] In some aspects, the pH of the yeast growth culture medium is within 0.5 pH units of the optimal pH range for the culture for the one of the one or plurality of yeast strains. In some aspects, the pH of the yeast growth culture medium is within 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or 0.05 pH units of the optimal pH range for the culture for the one of the one or plurality of yeast strains. In some aspects, the pH of the yeast growth culture medium can be modulated using an organic acid or organic base. In some aspects, the organic acid can be selected from an acid or salt of: citric, malic, lactic, sulfuric, acetic, pyruvic, carbonic, glutamic, phosphoric, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, or hydroiodinic. In some aspects, the organic base can be selected from a base or salt of ammonia, carbonate, and hydroxide.

[0019] In some aspects, the fungus to which the anti-fungal composition is effective can include or exclude: Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum cereal, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phytophthora capsid, Verticillium dahlia, Fusarium striatum, Macrophomina phaseolina and strains thereof.

[0020] In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains of the anti-fungal yeast composition can include or exclude: Candida humilis, Cyberlindnera aff. lachancei, Debaryomyces hansenii, Kazachstania lodderae, Kazachstania spencerorum, Kluyveromyces lactic var. drosphilarum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Meyerozyma caribbica, Suhomyces aff. xylopsoci, Vishniacozyma camescens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Rhodotorula babjeviae, Zygoascus hellenicus, Rhodotorula aff. paludigena, Debaryomyces nepalensis, Debaryomyces prosopidis, Candida pelliculosa, Galactomyces cf. candidum, Galactomyces candidum, Debaryomyces hansenii,

Debaryomyces fabryi, Cyberlindnera saturnus, Cyberlindnera jadinii, Candida guilliermondii, Candida boidinii, Candida aff. palmioleophila, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula glutinis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Kuraishia cidri, Hannaella aff. Kummingensis, Galactomyces geotrichuum, and strains/derivatives thereof. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains are selected from: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus,

Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae.

[0021] In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition exhibits adhesive properties. In some aspects, the adhesive properties of the anti-fungal yeast composition retains the yeast at the surface of a plant when administered to a plant’s foliar surface.

[0022] In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises non-yeast solids at a concentration of less than 50% by weight. In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises non-yeast solids at a concentration of less than 5 %, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% by weight. [0023] In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition the concentration of one or more strains of yeast ranges from 1 x 10^A3 CFU (colony-forming units)/mL to 1 x 10^A9 CFU/mL.

[0024] In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises one or a plurality of seeds. In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises soil. In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises a flowering plant. In some aspects, the anti-fungal yeast composition further comprises a post-harvest fruit.

[0025] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a method of inhibiting, preventing, or reducing fungal growth on a plant or plant component, the method comprising the step of contacting a plant or soil where a plant will be grown with a composition comprising one or a plurality of selected yeast agents with a yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, and emulsifying said fresh food waste. In some aspects, the temperature of the plant is between 40 degrees F to 120 degrees F. In some aspects, the portion of the plant contacted is selected from one or more of the following plant parts: roots, rhizosphere, stems, flowers, buds, galls, leaves, tubers, seedlings, cuttings, bulbs, seeds, or fruit. In some aspects, the one or more yeast agents comprising yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by outcompeting the fungus for nutrients. The one or more yeast agents comprising a yeast strain may inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by exuding a biosurfactant which kills or inhibits said fungal growth, or exude a fungicide. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded fungicide is selected from an organic acid, an enzyme, a branched alcohol, a cyclopeptide, or an aldehyde or ketone. In some aspects, the portion of the plant contacted with the yeast agent-comprising composition is selected from one or more of the following plant parts: roots, rhizosphere, stems, flowers, buds, galls, leaves, tubers, seedlings, cuttings, bulbs, seeds, or fruit. In some aspects, the one or more yeast agents comprising yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by outcompeting the fungus for nutrients. The one or more yeast strains may inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by exuding a biosurfactant which kills or inhibits said fungal growth, or exude a fungicide. In some aspects, the yeast-exuded fungicide is selected from an organic acid, an enzyme, a branched alcohol, a cyclopeptide, or an aldehyde or ketone. In some aspects, the organic acid is selected from: lactic acid, acetic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, dl-b- phenyllactic acid, dl^-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, polyporic acid, azelaic acid, 2- hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, -coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, succinic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid), decanoic acid, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, (S)- (-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, coriolic acid, ricinoleic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, butanoic acid, linear propionic acid, branched propionic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl^-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, azelaic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, dl-b -phenyllactic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, dl- b-phenyllactic acid, dl-b-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, 4-methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienoic acid, (4- methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienal), and rhodotorulic acid. In some aspects, the branched alcohol is selected from: Reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 2-methyl- 1- butanol, 2-phenylethanol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 3 -methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-methyl- 1 -propanol, and 2-ethyl- 1-hexanol. In some aspects, the cyclopeptide is selected from: cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Met-L-Pro), cyclo(Phe-Pro), cyclo(Phe- OH-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-trans-4- OH-L-Pro), cyclo(L-His-L-Pro), cyclo(Leu-Leu), and cyclo-(L-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydroxy-L-piOlyl-d-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydiOxy-L- proline). In some aspects, the aldehyde or ketone is selected from: diacetyl, 2,3-pentadione, 5-pentyl-2-furaldehyde, and 2-nonanone.

[0026] In some aspects, the yeast strain or strains are rendered inactive. In some aspects, the yeast strain components are obtained by inactivating the yeast strain. In some aspects, the yeast strain component is obtained by a process includingfractionation through autoclaving, thermal autolysis, sonicating, bead-milling or grinder-milling, followed by centrifugation and recovery of the yeast strain components. In some aspects, the yeast strain components are yeast cell particles. Repeated steps of washing with water at pH 5-7 or buffer (e.g. Tris-HCl) and fractionation and centrifugation may be used to increase purity of the isolated fraction of the aforementioned yeast strain component.

[0027] In some aspects, the methods described herein further comprise where the one or plurality of yeast strains exude a fungal cell wall-degrading enzyme. In some aspects, the fungal cell wall degrading enzyme is selected from: a beta-glucanase, a protease, a xylanase, a cellulase, a chitinase, or a peroxidase. In some aspects, the beta-glucanase is a beta-1, 3,- glucanase. In some aspects, the methods described herein further comprise where the one or plurality of yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by antagonizing said fungal growth. Antagonizing said fungal growth may occur by the yeast attacking the fungus hyphae.

[0028] In some aspects, the method further comprises introducing host fungal resistance in the plant by contacting the plant with one or plurality of yeast strains to inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth. In some aspects, the method further comprises contacting the plant with antifungal metabolites to introduced fungal host resistance in the plant the plant component may be a fruit or vegetable growing or separated from said plant. The fruit or vegetable may be preharvest or post-harvest.

[0029] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to an animal feed composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains grown in, or present with a yeast growth culture medium, where the yeast growth culture medium is made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, emulsifying, pasteurizing, and stabilizing said fresh food waste. In some aspects, the animal feed composition is dried. In some aspects, the one or a plurality of yeast strains are killed or rendered dormant. In some aspects, the aforementioned animal feed composition can be blended with other animal feed sources (e.g., corn or soy) to supplement the amino acid content of the admixture. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains can include or exclude: selenium yeast (AAFCO 57.163), chromium yeast, Phaffia rhodozyme, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Candida utilis. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains can include or exclude: Candida humilis, Cyberlindnera aff. lachancei, Debaryomyces hansenii, Kazachstania lodderae, Kazachstania spencerorum, Kluyveromyces lactic var. drosphilarum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Meyerozyma caribbica, Suhomyces aff. xylopsoci, Vishniacozyma camescens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Rhodotorula babjeviae, Zygoascus hellenicus, Rhodotorula aff. paludigena, Debaryomyces nepalensis, Debaryomyces prosopidis, Candida pelliculosa, Galactomyces cf. candidum, Galactomyces candidum, Debaryomyces hansenii, Debaryomyces fabryi, Cyberlindnera saturnus, Cyberlindnera jadinii, Candida guilliermondii, Candida boidinii, Candida aff. palmioleophila, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula glutinis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Kuraishia cidri, Hannaella aff. Kummingensis, and Galactomyces geotrichuum. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains are selected from: Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae. In some aspects, the animal feed composition comprises one or a plurality of yeast strains which are selected from: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae.

[0030] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to an animal feed composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains grown in, or present with a yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, emulsifying, pasteurizing, and stabilizing said fresh food waste. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains are separated from the yeast growth culture medium from which they are produced. The one or plurality of yeast strains which are separated can be separated by means of filtration, sedimentation, gravimetric separation (e.g., centrifugation), and/or precipitation. The separated one or plurality of yeast strains which were grown from the aforementioned yeast growth culture medium and subsequently separated therefrom can be dried, pelletized, or concentrated to be in the form suitable for animal provender. In some aspects, the aforementioned separated yeast can be used as a nutritional supplement to an exogenous animal provender wherein the exogenous animal provender is not made by the methods described herein. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains can include or exclude: selenium yeast (AAFCO 57.163), chromium yeast, Phaffia rhodozyme, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Candida utilis. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains can include or exclude: Candida humilis, Cyberlindnera aff. lachancei, Debaryomyces hansenii, Kazachstania lodderae, Kazachstania spencerorum, Kluyveromyces lactic var. drosphilarum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Meyerozyma caribbica, Suhomyces aff. xylopsoci, Vishniacozyma camescens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Rhodotorula babjeviae, Zygoascus hellenicus, Rhodotorula aff. paludigena, Debaryomyces nepalensis, Debaryomyces prosopidis, Candida pelliculosa, Galactomyces cf. candidum, Galactomyces candidum, Debaryomyces hansenii, Debaryomyces fabryi, Cyberlindnera saturnus, Cyberlindnera jadinii, Candida guilliermondii, Candida boidinii, Candida aff. palmioleophila, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula glutinis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Kuraishia cidri, Hannaella aff. Kummingensis, and Galactomyces geotrichuum. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains can include or exclude: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae. In some aspects, the animal feed composition comprises one or a plurality of yeast strains which can include or exclude: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae.

[0031] In some aspects, the animal feed composition amino acid content profile is modulated by said one or plurality of yeast strains. The lysine, cysteine, or methionine levels may be increased in the composition relative to a culture medium before yeast is introduced by said yeast strains. The inventors have surprisingly recognized that the addition of yeast strains can increase the nutrient content of animal feed compositions made from a process involving hydrolysis of fresh food waste by the addition of selected yeast strains.

[0032] In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a method of increasing plant growth as an adjuvant relative to a chemical nitrogen fertilizer alone control by more than 5% by contacting the plant with a composition comprising one or plurality of yeast strains and a nutrient rich hydrolysate made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, emulsifying, pasteurizing, and stabilizing said fresh food waste, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains exudes a biosurfactant. In some aspects, the one or plurality of yeast strains is Rhodotorulua babjevae and/or Rhodotorula aff. paludigena. In some aspects, the biosurfactant is a polyol ester of a fatty acid. In some aspects, micronutrients are presented to the plant rhizosphere by solubilization with said biosurfactant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 shows the disease severity decrease of H2H (a representative hydrolysate of the invention) relative to water control.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows the relative inhibition of various pathogens in culture in the presence of various yeast strains. [0035] FIG. 3 shows fungal pathogen growth rates relefor various representative compositions of this invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows fungal inhibition rates by the presence of VOC’s emitted by G. candius grown in proximity, but isolated from physical contact from the indicated fungi.

[0037] FIG. 5 A shows a photograph of forty-five yeasts from the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection grown on PDA and H2H hydrolysate for 24 hours at 30 degrees Celcius at pH 5.0 and pH 7.0.

[0038] FIG. 5B shows a photograph of forty-five yeasts from the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection grown on PDA and H2H hydrolysate for 24 hours at room temperature at pH 5.0 and pH 7.0.

[0039] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show a heat map showing relative growth of 45 yeasts in H2H agar at 30 degrees Celcius (upper) and room temperature (lower) at 0, 24, and 48 hours. The relative percentages of growth are give: 0, 50, 75, and 100 percent relative to the highest growth strains.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a photograph of representative hydrolysates of this disclosure, which formed 3 distinct layers after centrifugation at 4,000 rpm for 10 min. The left is a composition at pH 5.0, the right is a composition at pH 7.0.

[0041] FIG. 8A shows a photograph of the isolated middle layers of (A) a hydrolysate composition at pH 5 after centrifugation.

[0042] FIG. 8B shows a photograph of the isolated middle layers of a hydrolysate composition at pH 7 after centrifugation.

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a photograph of the isolated middle layer of a hydrolysate composition at pH 5 before filtration.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows the growth of various strains of yeast cultures, two days after inoculation.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a bar graph showing the dry cell mass (g/L) of various yeast strains tested in pH 5 (left bars) and pH 7 (right bars) environment. [0046] FIG. 12 shows the Sample ID and information for the various samples analyzed.

[0047] FIG. 13 shows the protein percentage in different layers of a representative hydrolysate if this disclosure. In some samples, no protein composition was determinable because of high lipid content in the samples.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a bar graph showing the total percent protein by dry weight of all samples in pH 5 and pH 7.

[0049] FIG. 15A is a correlation plot of total protein vs. cell mass in compositions at pH 5.

[0050] FIG. 15B is a correlation plot of total protein vs. cell mass in compositions at pH 7. The data show that Galactomyces candidus UCDFST 09-582 produced the highest protein mass of 14.3 g/L and 5.13 g/L in compositions at pH 5 and 7, respectively.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a bar graph showing the total protein mass for various yeast strains grown in a representative hydrolysate of the invention at pH 5 (left bars) or pH 7 (right bars).

[0052] FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B show the amino acid composition of representative compositions of this disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 18 lists the samples which were analyzable for amino acid composition and identifies the samples not analyzable due to high lipids content.

[0054] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are tables showing the amino acid composition for various yeast strains grown in hydrolysates of this disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 20A - FIG. 20C are tablees listing yeast strains from the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection (UCDFST) used in the examples.

[0056] FIG. 21 is a bar graph showing the relative rates of growth of various selected yeast strains at pH 5 (left bars) and pH 7 (right bars) in a representative hydrolysate of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0057] As used herein, the term “agitation” means a stirring action intended to increase the collisions between the enzyme molecules and the food particles. In some embodiments, agitation is produced by rotating mixing blades in the incubation vessel, at a rate of 1 to 10⁴ sec ¹.

[0058] As used herein, the term “coarse screen” refers to a screen or mesh to separate pasteurized solids, from the liquid pasteurized hydrolysate, and can include a variety of screening techniques. In some embodiments the course screen can be a mesh screen with pores having 18-60 mesh (a diameter of about 250 to about 1000 microns). In some embodiments, the coarse screen can be an 18 mesh screen with 1000 micron openings, 20 mesh screen with 841 micron openings, 25 mesh screen with 707 micron openings, 30 mesh screen with 590-595 micron openings, 35 mesh screen with 500 micron openings, 40 mesh screen with 400 micron openings, 45 mesh screen with 354 micron openings, 50 mesh screen with 297 micron openings, or 60 mesh screen with 250 micron openings, or other commercially available coarse screening technologies. A coarse screen may have opening so 250 microns or larger, or between any two of the recited sizes. In some aspects, the filter or mesh is made of metal, plastic, glass or ceramic. In some aspects, the plastic can be nylon.

[0059] As used herein, the term “fine screen” refers to a screen or mesh with pores having about 35 to 400 mesh (a diameter of about 500 to 27 microns). The fine screen serves to i) increase particle surface area, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the enzymes used to produce the hydrolysate; ii) ensure the particle sizes are appropriate for metabolism by soil organisms once the yeast-growth medium composition is delivered to the root zone. In some embodiments, the 30 mesh screen is a vibrating screen. This separates the hydrolysate from particles too large to pass through the mesh, for example, particles having an average diameter larger than 590 microns. The hydrolysate which ultimately forms the growth medium passing through the first screen may then be further separated by filtering through a 200 mesh screen with an opening size of 74 microns. In some aspects, the incubated fresh food particles removed from the hydrolysate by screening through the 200 mesh screen have a diameter of greater than microns. In some aspects the screen may be a vibrating screen. In some embodiments the fine screen can be a mesh screen having 35 to 400 mesh may be used in the second screening step, for example, 35 mesh screen with 500 micron openings, 40 mesh screen with 400 micron openings, 45 mesh screen with 354 micron openings, 50 mesh screen with 297 micron openings, or 60 mesh screen with 250 micron openings, 70 mesh screen with 210 micron openings, 80 mesh screen with 177 micron openings, 100 mesh screen with 149 micron openings, 120 mesh screen with 125 micron openings, 140 mesh screen with 105 micron openings, 170 mesh screen with 88 micron openings, 200 mesh screen with 74 micron openings, 230 mesh screen with 63 micron openings, 270 mesh screen with 53 micron openings, 325 mesh screen with 44 micron openings or 400 mesh screen with 37 micron openings, or other commercially available fine screening technologies. The solid particles separated by the fine screen, having a diameter between about 74 microns and about 590 microns, may be recycled as a feedstock to be digested in the next batch. A fine screen may have a mesh size between any two of the recited mesh sizes. In some aspects, the filter or mesh is made of metal, plastic, glass or ceramic. In some aspects, the plastic can be nylon.

[0060] As used herein, the term "enzyme combination" refers to two or more selected enzymes added to ground biological slurry, the processed biological hydrolysate, and/or the incubating mixture. The enzymes in an enzyme combination may be mixed together before addition to the ground biological slurry, the processed biological hydrolysate, and/or the incubating mixture, or they may be added separately to the ground biological slurry, the processed biological hydrolysate, and/or the incubating mixture. In some embodiments, the combination of enzymes for use with this invention may comprise one or more enzymes to digest proteins in the fresh food waste, one or more enzymes to digest fats and lipids, and one or more enzymes to digest carbohydrates in the fresh food waste. The enzymes to digest carbohydrates may include or exclude one or more enzymes to digest cellulose, pectin, and the alpha bonds of large, alpha-linked polysaccharides (for example, starch and/or glycogen), to yield sugars such as glucose and maltose. In some embodiments, the combination of enzymes useful in this invention may comprise one or more proteases, one or more lipases, one or more cellulases, one or more pectinases, and/or one or more a-amylases. In one embodiment, the combination of enzymes for use in this invention may include or exclude at least one protease, cellulase, pectinase, lipase, and a-amylase. One or more enzymes or enzyme combinations that comprise the combination of enzymes may be added at various stages of the incubation, depending upon the temperatures that are suitable or optimal for the activity of each enzyme or enzyme combination. The enzyme digestion is carried out with constant movement, such as mixing, recirculating and/or grinding with shearing action.

Other enzymes useful in the methods of this invention may include or exclude: exo-peptidase, endo-peptidase, xylanase, asparaginase, cellulase, hemicellulase, glucanase, beta-glucanase (endo-l,3( 4)-), urease, phytase, phosphatase, aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, chitinase, cutinase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, deoxyribonuclease, esterase, alpha- galactosidase, beta-galactosidase, glucoamylase, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, betalucosidase, haloperoxidase, invertase, lactase, mannosidase, oxidase, glucose oxidase, pectinesterase, peptidoglutaminase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidaseribonuclease, transglutaminase, papain, pepsin, trypsin, and/or chymotrypsin.

[0061] As used herein, the term “fresh food waste component” refers to a food waste component selected from: fresh food recyclables, blood meal, bakery goods, spent poultry, pomace, culled fruits and/or vegetables, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] As used herein, the term "grower's standard" refers to a nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer and other fertilizing regime with nutrient requirements standardized for a given crop, in current use by the grower. While the subcomponents of a grower’s standard may vary, the typical composition of a grower’s standard are set forth in Table 1.

Table 1. Grower’s Standard Nitrate Fertilizer Composition

[0063] As used herein, the term "ground biological slurry" refers to the mixture that is formed after the first grinding step, which may be a mixture of particles and liquid.

[0064] As used herein, the term “high-shear mixer” refers to an apparatus that disperses or transports one phase or ingredient (liquid, solid, or gas) into a main continuous phase (liquid), with which it would normally be immiscible.

[0065] As used herein, the term "hydrolysate" refers to a product of the digestion of one or a plurality of fresh food waste components with enzymes. The liquid may contain small particles and/or oil droplets depending on the grinders used and the mesh screen used to separate larger particles from the hydrolysate, as described herein.

[0066] As used herein, the term "incubated ground biological slurry" refers to the mixture that is incubated at elevated temperature formed after the first grinding step, which may be a mixture of incubated biological particles and an incubated biological hydrolysate.

[0067] As used herein, the term “incubated biological particles” refers to the particles obtained from the separated biological slurry which are separated from the incubated biological hydrolysate.

[0068] As used herein, the term “incubated biological hydrolysate” refers to the liquid hydrolysate in the ground biological slurry which is separated from the incubated biological particles.

[0069] As used herein, the terms “inhibiting” and “inhibition” refer to retardation or delay of a process. Inhibition may be deemed to occur if the process occurs at a reduced rate as a result of application of a claimed yeast, a composition comprising such a yeast, or as a result of practice of a claimed method.

[0070] As used herein, the term “plant”, as defined herein, includes any and all portions of a plant, including the root system, the shoot, including the stem, nodes, intemodes, petiole, leaves, flowers, fruit, and the like, either prior to or post-harvest. Plant is also meant to include any cell derived from a plant, including undifferentiated tissue ( e.g ., callus) as well as plant seeds, pollen, propagules and embryos. [0071] As used herein, the term “shear” means a cutting action that reduces food particle size, increasing its surface area, and therefore, its interaction with enzyme molecules. In some embodiments, high shear is created by circulating the slurry through a high speed, high shear mixer throughout the digest at rates in the range of 10⁵-10⁶ sec ¹ or more.

[0072] As used herein, the term "yeast growth culture medium" refers to its term as understood in the art and includes a composition comprising nutritional components released from one or more fresh food waste components by digesting proteins, carbohydrates (such as sugars, starches and/or cellulosic materials), and/or fats and oils in said biological recyclable stream to produce a composition which contains, for example, amino acids, simple sugars, fatty acids and minerals, where the composition produced by the process comprises at least about 90% by weight relative to the weight of the starting fresh food waste components. The yeast growth culture medium is capable of growing yeast, expanding yeast colony populations, growing the size of individual yeast microorganisms, and/or stabilizing one or more yeast strains. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium comprises one or more yeast strains. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium is absent yeast strains. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium has a pH of 3.5 to 7.5, preferably 4.5 to 5.5, even more preferably 5.0.

[0073] As used herein, the term “yeast agent” refers to a small molecule chemical or biopolymer which is exuded from one or more yeast strains. The yeast agent may be a metabolite, fermentation product, excretion product, or component of an inactive or dead yeast microorganism.

[0074] As used herein, the term “yeast strain” includes its meaning as understood in the art, and also refers to a population of yeast microorganisms having the same or substantially the same genetic profile. Yeast are eukaryotic single-celled microorganisms. In some embodiments, the yeasts of this disclosure are of the Ascomycota Phyla. In some embodiments, the yeast strains are those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,525,132; U.S.

5,711,946; and U.S. 2019/0119707; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the yeast strains can include or exclude: Candida off. palmioleophila, strain UCDFST 76-589; Candida boidinii, strain UCDFST 09-399 ; Candida boidinii, strain UCDFST 14-252; Candida pelliculosa, strain UCDFST 40-438;

Cyberlindnera aff. lachancei, strain UCDFST 73-617; Cyberlindnera jadinii, strain UCDFST 74-61; Cyberlindnera saturnus, strain UCDFST 61-193; Debaryomyces fabryi, strain UCDFST 96-1; Debaryomyces hansenii, strain UCDFST 04-847; Debaryomyces hansenii, strain UCDFST 40-61; Debaryomyces hansenii , strain UCDFST 40-65; Debaryomyces nepalensis, strain UCDFST 72-46; Debaryomyces prosopidis, strain UCDFST 84-101; Galactomyces candidus, strain UCDFST 09-568; Galactomyces candidus, strain UCDFST 09-582; Galactomyces candidus, strain UCDFST 72-186; Kazachstania humilis, strain UCDFST 68-114; Kazachstania lodderae, strain UCDFST 56-10; Kazachstania spencerorum, strain UCDFST 01-155; Kluyveromyces lactis var. drosophilarum, strain UCDFST 50-152; Kluyveromyces marxianus, strain UCDFST 05-822; Kuraishia cidri, strain UCDFST 12-171; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 09-369; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 09-505; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 12-176; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 44-4; Pichia kudriavzevii, strain UCDFST 11-602; Rhodotorula ajf. paludigena, strain UCDFST 81-84; Rhodotorula babjevae, strain UCDFST 04-877; Rhodotorula glutinis, strain UCDFST 03-483; Rhodotorula glutinis, strain UCDFST 40-108; Rhodotorula glutinis, strain UCDFST 68-255; Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, strain UCDFST 40-129; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 05-780; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 09-448; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 40-148; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 75-4; Suhomyces ajf. xylopsoci, strain UCDFST 11-369; Vishniacozyma carnescens, strain UCDFST 05-551; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 09-305; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 09-389; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 40-382; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 73-29; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 82-2; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 83-21; and Zygoascus hellenicus, strain UCDFST 11-671. All of the aforementioned UCD yeast strains can be obtained from the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection at the University of California, Davis. In some embodiments, the yeast strains include mutants and derivatives of the aforementioned yeast strains, using conventional microorganism mutation methods (e.g., site-directed mutagenesis (CRISPR, TALEN, zinc-finger, transposase, etc.) of selected yeast genes so as to modulate the activity of selected genes).

As used herein, the term “yeast strain” excludes plant- or human-pathogenic fungi. In some embodiments, the term “yeast strain” excludes the following microorganism classes: Agaricomycotina p. p., Tremellomycetes, Pucciniomycotina p. p., and Mic robot ryomycetes.

Importance of Yeast in Bioconversion [0075] Yeast strains have great potential for upgrading low-value biological inputs via bioconversion to higher value biological outputs. In some embodiments, the biological input is a nutrient rich hydrolysate made from fresh food waste by the methods described herein. The nutrient rich hydrolysate can be used as a targeted yeast-growth culture medium specific for selected yeast strains. Selected yeast strains can be targeted for their fermentation products and agriculturally important properties which can include or exclude anti-fungal properties, micronutrient adsorption enhancement from the soil to plants, and as a nutrient or nutrient supplement to animal feed. Yeasts can modulate the amino acid profile from the biological input into a different amino acid profile in the biological output to make the resulting yeast/growth culture medium more applicable to agricultural uses. Some yeast strains produce biosurfactants which are useful for improved soil nutrient mobility.

Methods of Making Hydrolysates for Use as Yeast Growth Culture Media

[0076] The yeast growth culture medium can be made from fresh food waste. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium is the hydrolysate made by methods described previously ( e.g ., U.S. Patent Pub. 20190048307 or U.S. Patent No. 9,643,895, each of which are herein incorporated by reference for the description of the hydrolysate and methods of its manufacture). In some embodiments, the one or plurality of fresh food waste components can include or exclude: fresh food recyclables (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, delicatessen, bakery and diary recyclables), fish processing recyclables, blood meal, bakery recyclables, distiller’s grain, spent poultry, eggs, orange peels, spent tea leaves, banana peels, pomace, hulls, and culled fruits and/or vegetables. In some embodiments, the fresh food waste component does not include spent poultry and/or poultry recyclable products. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to systems, methods, and compositions for processing selected fresh food waste components before they become putrescent and/or toxic, and converting those selected fresh food waste components into the yeast growth culture medium. The yeast growth culture medium can then be contacted with one or a plurality of yeast strains to convert the yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste into higher value biological outputs. In some embodiments, the compositions produced by the methods of this disclosure are in liquid form, in concentrated liquid form, or in solid form. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components is produced from multiple fresh food waste components, introduced at different steps in the production, including different steps of the enzymatic digestion process. [0077] In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a process for producing the yeast growth culture medium from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components, including the steps of:

(a) providing one or a plurality of fresh food waste components;

(b) grinding the one or a plurality of fresh food waste components using a first grinder and optionally a second grinder to produce a ground biological slurry;

(c) optionally, adding to said ground biological slurry one or more selected enzymes;

(d) increasing the temperature of the ground biological slurry from ambient temperature to a temperature between about 95 °F and about 140 °F and incubating the ground biological slurry under constant agitation and shear at two or more temperatures between about 95 °F and about 140 °F, thereby producing an incubated biological slurry comprising incubated biological particles and an incubated biological hydrolysate which comprises an oil phase and an aqueous phase;

(e) pasteurizing the first incubated slurry to kill pathogens;

(f) optionally separating the first incubated hydrolysate into a first incubated biological hydrolysate and first incubated biological particles using one or a plurality of size-based separation methods;

(g) optionally reducing the fat content of the pasteurized first incubated hydrolysate optionally by centrifugation to form a centrifuged biological hydrolysate and centrifuged oil;

(h) optionally, stabilizing the centrifuged biological hydrolysate to form a stabilized aqueous hydrolysate;

(i) emulsifying the optionally stabilized aqueous hydrolysate or centrifuged biological hydrolysate to form an emulsified hydrolysate; optionally adding a dispersant to the emulsified hydrolysate (in some embodiments, the dispersant can be a surfactant), and optionally concentrating the emulsified hydrolysate to produce a concentrated liquid product; and (j) blending the emulsified hydrolysate with an additive, preferably one or a plurality of yeast strains; wherein the first incubated biological particles from step (f) are optionally separated into dewatered biological particles and a recycled liquid fraction.

[0078] In some embodiments of this disclosure the stabilized aqueous hydrolysate or centrifuged biological hydrolysate may also be concentrated and/or blended with an additive. In some embodiments, the additive is one or a plurality of yeast strains, a yeast nutrient, a viscosity modifier, or combinations thereof.

[0079] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of fresh food waste components can be sourced from winemakers, olive oil manufacturers, vegetable processors, nut processors, fruit processors, coffee processors, yogurt manufacturers, supermarkets, food wholesalers, food processors, butcher shops, and institutional sources. In some embodiments, the institutional sources can be where food is freshly prepared and excess food is discarded as a fresh food waste component. In some embodiments, the institutional source can be from sports arenas, hospitals, hotels, and cafeterias. In some embodiments, the coffee processors can provide coffee grounds after preparation of coffee. In some embodiments, yogurt manufacturers can provide whey. The whey recyclable product can comprise lactic acid which can be used as an in-situ acid source during the incubation steps described herein. In some embodiments of this disclosure, commercial bakeries provide isolated baked goods as a fresh food waste component. In some embodiments of this disclosure, winemakers and vineyards provide culled grapes and/or isolated grape pomace as a food waste component. In some embodiments of this disclosure, olive oil manufacturers provide culled olives or isolated olive pomace as a food waste component. In some embodiments of this disclosure, processed food manufacturers provide nut or legume hulls, isolated tomato and/or culled vegetable recyclable matter as a food waste component. In some embodiments, the food waste component can comprise okara (soy pulp). The soy pulp can increase the relative nitrogen content in the yeast growth culture medium. In some embodiments, the food waste component can comprise dairy products. Dairy products can be sourced from a diary or a supermarket as packaged dairy. The packaged dairy can be de-packaged before use as a food waste component. [0080] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fresh food waste component can include or exclude: provide poultry feathers, beaks, and feet and/or bone meal. In some embodiments, the fresh food waste component can include or exclude: fish products, which are selected from: skin, viscera, filets, fish heads, fish tails, fish hydrolysate, and carcasses (fish bones). The fish products can increase the relative amount of organic nitrogen in the yeast growth culture medium. In some embodiments, the fresh food waste component can include or exclude distiller’s grains, which when added to the processes described herein can increase the carbohydrate content in the yeast growth culture medium.

[0081] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of fresh food waste components may include or exclude culled fruits, nuts or vegetables containing oils, for example, culled nut or, cucurbitaceae seeds. In some embodiments the culled nuts may include or exclude almonds, beech nuts, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, mongongo nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, peanuts, and walnuts. In some embodiments, the fresh food waste component can include culled citrus containing oil, for example, it can include or exclude grapefruits, lemons, oranges, pomelos, and limes. In some embodiments, the cucurbitaceae seeds can include or exclude bitter gourds, bottle gourds, buffalo gourds, butternut squash seeds, pumpkin seeds, and watermelons. In some embodiments, the other culled recyclable plants containing oils can include or exclude amaranth, apricots, apple seeds, argan, avocados babassu, ben, bomeo tallow nuts, cape chestnuts (also called yangu), carob pods (algaroba), cocoa, cocklebur, cohune coriander seeds, date seeds, dika, false flax, grape seed, hemp, kapok seeds, kenaf seeds, lallemantia, mafura, marula, meadowfoam seeds, mustard, niger seeds, poppyseeds, nutmeg, okra seeds, papaya seed ils perilla seeds, persimmon seeds, pequi, pili nuts, pomegranate seeds, poppyseeds, pracaxi, virgin pracaxi, prune kernels, quinoa, ramtils, rice bran, shea, sacha inchi, sapote, seje, tea seeds (camellia), thistle, tigemut (or nut-sedge), tobacco seeds, tomato seeds, and wheat germoil. In some embodiments, the fresh food waste component can include or exclude copaiba, jatropha, milk bush, nahor, paradise, petroleum nuts, or pongamia.

[0082] In some embodiments the fresh food waste components may include or exclude any of the foregoing fresh food waste components.

[0083] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains and yeast growth culture medium described herein can be further mixed with organic fertilizers to produce a synergistic effect of the organic fertilizers and the yeast compositions described herein in improving crop yields and organic soil content. The organic fertilizers can include or exclude bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, or manure, for example, chicken manure, bird guano, biosolids (treated solids from wastewater treatment plants), cow manure, green waste compost, or combinations thereof.

[0084] In one embodiment, this disclosure features a method for producing a nutrient rich hydrolysate to be used as a yeast growth culture medium, from one or more selected fresh food waste components is described, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing one or a plurality of selected fresh food waste component;

(b) grinding the selected one or a plurality of selected fresh food waste component using a first grinder and optionally a second grinder to produce a ground biological slurry;

(d) increasing the temperature of the ground biological slurry from ambient temperature to a temperature between about 95 °F and about 140 °F and incubating the ground biological slurry under constant agitation and shear at two or more temperatures between about 95 °F and about 140 °F, thereby producing an incubated biological slurry comprising incubated biological particles and a incubated biological hydrolysate;

(e) pasteurizing the incubated biological slurry to kill pathogens; and

(f) optionally, separating the incubated biological slurry into an incubated biological hydrolysate and incubated biological particles, where the incubated biological hydrolysate can be used as a yeast growth culture medium. In some embodiments, one or a plurality of yeast strains are added to the incubated biological hydrolysate. [0085] Each of the steps recited above can feature any of the embodiments for that step featured in this disclosure, and the method can comprise processing of additional fresh food waste components.

[0086] In some embodiments, the step of adding to the ground biological slurry one or more selected enzymes is done before or during the step of increasing the temperature of the ground biological slurry from ambient temperature to a temperature between about 95 °F and about 140 °F and incubating the first ground biological slurry. In some embodiments one or more selected enzymes may be added after the ground biological slurry is heated to a temperature between about 95 °F and about 140 °F. In some embodiments, the one or more selected enzymes can be added as powder or liquid form. In some embodiments, the liquid form of the one or more selected enzymes can be pre -heated, and/or accelerated with the co addition of one or more cofactors. In some embodiments, the one or more selected enzymes is added with one or more cofactors. In some embodiments, the cofactor can include or exclude metal cations and coenzymes. The metal cations can include or exclude: cupric, ferrous, ferric, catalase, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc the coenzymes can include or exclude vitamin and vitamin derivatives of: thiamine pyrophosphate, thiamine, NAD+ and NADP+, niacin, pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxine, methylcobalamin, vitamin B12, cobalamine, biotin, coenzyme a, pantothenic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, folic acid, menaquinone, vitamin K, ascorbic acid, flavin mononucleotide, riboflavin, and coenzyme F420. In some embodiments, no exogenous enzymes are added to the ground biological slurry. In some embodiments, endogenous enzymes are present within the components of the fresh food waste (e.g., papain from papaya, or digestive enzymes from animal intestines) which can perform the incubation step. In some embodiments,

[0087] In some embodiments the first temperature of the incubated ground biological slurry is 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130,

131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, or 139° F, or any range in between any two of the recited temperatures. In some embodiments a second temperature of the incubated ground biological slurry is 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, or 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145 °F, or any range in between any two of the recited temperatures.

[0088] In some embodiments, the liquid nutrient rich hydrolysate which can comprise one or a plurality of yeast strains can be dried using a drum dryer (such as may be manufactured by Andritz, Drum Drying Systems, Buflovak, GL&V or Phoenix Drum Drying), a spray dryer (such as may be manufactured by Pulse Combustion Systems or GEA), extrusion dryers (such as may be manufactured by Diamond America or Coperion), or a rotary kiln (such as may be manufactured by Feeco) to produce a dried composition. In some embodiments, the dried composition may be milled into a powdered form using a common fitz mill, or pelletized using a common pelletizer to form dried pellets for animal feed. The powder or pellets may or may not include the addition of stabilizing agents and/or anti-caking agents. In some embodiments, the animal provender produced thereby may be blended with other animal feed ingredients (e.g., com or soy), to be customized to specific applications.

[0089] In some embodiments, hydrolysates made by the processes described herein comprises one or more phases. The hydrolysate can comprise an oil phase, a particulate phase, and an aqueous phase. In some embodiments, the hydrolysates can be phase-separated using a three phase separator. In some embodiments, the three-phase separator is a centrifugal separator. The three-phase separator can separate all or part of a heavy liquid, light liquid and solid phase, per their different densities and mutually insolubility. The solid phase differentially sediments in a centrifugal force field or gravity force field, which causes the solid particles in the liquid to deposit. In some embodiments, the centrifugal three phase separator is, for example, a Flottweg Separator. In some embodiments, the centrifugal three phase separator is, for example, a Peony Centrifuge. The three-phase separator operates at 1,000 - 7,000 RPM and processes 5 to 50 gallons per minute. In some embodiments, the three phase separator processes 5 to 50 gallons per minute. In some embodiments, the three phase separator processes 15 gallons per minute. In some embodiments, multiple three phase separators can be placed in series or in parallel. When multiple three phase separators are placed in parallel, the first incubated biological hydrolysate can be processed faster with a lower process time per separator than if the first incubated biological hydrolysate were processed with a single three phase separator. In some embodiments, the centrifugal three phase separator is, for example, an Alfa Laval centrifuge. In some embodiments, the incubated biological hydrolysate can be separated using a hydrocyclone to separate the particles from the liquids. The hydrocyclone can be a Sand Separator from Netafim (USA), or a John Deer F1000 Sand Separator (Deer, USA).

[0090] In some embodiments, the processes used to make the hydrolysates described herein can include stabilizing and preserving the hydrolysate using a stabilizer selected from: inorganic acid, organic acid, organic preservative, inorganic preservative.

[0091] In some embodiments, the processes used to make the hydrolysates described herein can include a concentration step using vibratory filtration equipment (such as may be manufactured by New Logic) or vacuum evaporation equipment (such as may be manufactured by Buflovak or Vobis).

[0092] In some embodiments, the processes used to make the hydrolysates described herein can include a separation method, e.g., using a screw press, belt press, or hydraulic press to produce an optionally recyclable liquid fraction, and a dewatered biological particle fraction comprising step. The dewatered biological particle fraction can be used as a compost feedstock for green waste compost, basalt compost, other composts, as well as biofuel or animal provender in an composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein. The liquid fraction can, in some embodiments, be returned to the hydrolysates.

[0093] In some embodiments, any of the processes for producing a yeast composition or composition comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein further includes the step of dewatering the incubated hydrolysate mixture to form a dried composition.

[0094] Each of the steps recited above can feature any of the embodiments for that step featured in this disclosure, and the method can comprise processing of additional fresh food waste components.

[0095] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of fresh food waste components can be selected from biological inputs including: bone meal, feather meal, culled vegetable or fruit, grape pomace, tomato pomace, olive pomace, fruit pomace, culled grapes, culled tomatoes, culled olives, peanut hulls, walnut hulls, almond hulls, pistachio hulls, legume hulls, fresh food recyclables, and bakery recyclables. Fresh food recyclables can be provided by obtaining fresh food recyclables collected from, for example, one or more of fresh food waste or recyclables providers, for example, supermarkets, butcher shops, food processing facilities, fresh food distributors, fresh green waste from farms, restaurant grease traps, or other viable sources of fresh food recyclables. In some embodiments, providing fresh food recyclables comprises collecting fresh food recyclables from for example, supermarkets, food wholesalers, food processing facilities, institutions (food preparation recyclables from such facilities as sports venues, schools, hospitals, hotels, cafeterias, and other institutions) fresh food distributors, fresh green recyclables from farms, or other viable sources of fresh food recyclables. In some embodiments, fresh food recyclables are provided by collecting culled produce, meat, fish, delicatessen, and bakery organics.

[0096] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein can be further mixed with organic fertilizers to produce a synergistic effect of the organic fertilizers and the compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein described herein in improving crop yields and organic soil content. The organic fertilizers can include or exclude bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, chicken manure, and cow manure. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein when mixed with an organic fertilizer affords pelletization of the combined product. The inventors have also surprisingly discovered that the compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein when mixed with an organic fertilizer results in faster breakdown of the organic fertilizer into nutrients to enhance plant and/or crop growth rates and crop yield.

[0097] As used herein, the term “Blood meal” refers to the liquid or dried blood from an animal after slaughter. Blood meal has a high nitrogen content, often up to 15% (wt.) owing to its high protein content. The inventors have determined that when blood meal is mixed with the compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein, the resulting admixture comprises a high protein, peptide and/or amino acid content which yields enhanced crop yields when administered to plants. Without being bound by theory, the protein and/or amino acids in the processed blood meal composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein enhances soil microbe colony expansion, which enables higher nutrient delivery to plants. In some embodiments, the enzyme selected for processing the blood proteins can be a protease. In some embodiments, the protease will degrade the blood proteins into peptides and/or amino acids. In some embodiments, the final nitrogen concentration (weight percent) in the compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein can range from 1-3.0%, 3.0-3.5%, 3.5-4.0%, 4.0-4.5%, 4.5-5.0%, 5.0-5.5%, or 5.5-6.0%, or any range between any two of the recited percentages. In some embodiments, the nitrogen concentration (weight percent) in the blood meal-blended compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein can be: 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,

2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1. 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3., 4.4, 4.5,

4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0. , 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, or 6.0%, or any range between any two of the recited percentages.

[0098] In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components is made from a fresh food waste component which includes soy protein. By the term "soy protein" as used herein is meant any form of soy concentrate or soy isolate, which may for example be a commercial soy concentrate or soy isolate or the soy concentrate or soy isolate intermediate produced in a plant adopted to conversion of defatted soy meal to polypeptides. In some embodiments, the soybean product can include or exclude soy meal. Soy meal is the leftover product after crushing soy beans using a physical press to extract soy oil. In some embodiments, soy meal comprises 10 to up to 45% (by weight) protein. The soy protein concentration referred to above with reference to the proteolytic activity of the enzymes described herein and to the substrate concentration is calculated as the percentage of nitrogen measured according to Kjeldahl multiplied by 6.25. In some embodiments, fresh food waste components can comprise soybeans and lettuce. The hydrolysis of soybeans requires a water source, and lettuce provides a high- water content plant. In some embodiments, hydrolysis of lettuce is performed by using a cellulase at an acidic pH in the incubation steps described herein. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis of lettuce and/or soybean product can be performed using a whey biological input comprising lactic acid.

[0099] In some embodiments, the yeast compositions or compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein can be further blended with soybean meal to yield a high protein fertilizer or animal provender. The yeast compositions and compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components described herein can be blended in dry form ( e.g powder mixing) or by mixing the dry soybean meal into a wet form of the yeast compositions or compositions comprising yeast and a yeast growth culture medium made from a plurality of fresh food waste components, and subsequently dried by the drying methods described herein. In some embodiments, the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture comprises a high protein and/or amino acid content in the form of amino acids and peptides in animal provender. In some embodiments, the final nitrogen concentration (wt.) in the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture is selected from: 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%., 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, or 14%, or any range between any two of the recited percentages. In some embodiments, the final nitrogen concentration (weight percent) in the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture produced by the methods described herein can range from 1-3.0%, 3.0-3.5%, 3.5-4.0%, 4.0-4.5%, 4.5-5.0%, 5.0-5.5%, or 5.5-6.0%, or any range between any two of the recited percentages. In some embodiments, the nitrogen concentration (weight percent) in the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture produced by the methods described herein can be: 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1. 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3., 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0., 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, or 6.0%, or any range between any two of the recited percentages. In some embodiments, the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture produced by the methods described herein is a fertilizer. In some embodiments, the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture produced by the methods described herein increases the nitrogen content in soil. In some embodiments, the aforementioned soybean-yeast admixture produced by the methods described herein enhances crop yield by more than 5% relative to a nitrate fertilizer alone. [0100] In some embodiments, a fresh food waste component can include or exclude poultry recyclable products. In some embodiments, the poultry can be selected, e.g., from chickens (e.g., Gallus gallus domesticus), turkeys (e.g., Meleagris gallopavo), quail (e.g., callipepla genus), ostrich (e.g., struthio camelus ), and emu (e.g., dromaius novaehollandiae ). The poultry recyclable products can include or exclude the various components of poultry: feathers, beaks, feet, claws, bones, and feces. In some embodiments, an enzyme selected to digest the poultry recyclables can include or exclude a protease or keratinase.

[0101] In some embodiments, the fresh food waste component from culled vegetable or fruit recyclables can be selected from: culled grapes, culled olives, culled corn (e.g., zea mays Linn), culled bottle gourd (e.g, lagenaria siceraria), culled carrot (e.g., daucus carota), culled peas (e.g., Pisum sativum), culled potatoes (e.g., Solanum tuberosum L.), culled sugar beets (e.g., Beta vulgaris var. altissima), culled celery (e.g., Apium graveolens), culled tomatoes (e.g., Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), culled members of the brassica genus (e.g., culled broccoli (e.g., Brassica oleracea), culled radish (e.g., Brassica oleracea B), culled cauliflower (e.g., Brassica oleracea C.), culled Brussel sprouts (e.g., Brassica oleracea), culled cabbage (e.g., Brassica oleracea), culled collard greens (e.g., Brassica oleracea A), culled kale (e.g., Brassica oleracea A), culled mustard greens (Brassica juncea), culled turnips (e.g., Brassica rapa var. rapa), and culled rutabaga (e.g., Brassica napus subsp. rapifera)), culled lettuce (e.g., Lactuca sativa), culled spinach (e.g., Spinacia oleracea), culled banana peels (e.g., Musa acuminate), culled watermelon (e.g., Citrullus lanatus), culled apples (e.g., Malus domestica), culled pineapples (e.g., Ananas comosus), culled grapes (e.g., vitis species, including Vitis calif ornica), culled olives (e.g., Olea europaea), culled citrus (including orange (e.g., Raphanus sativus), squash (e.g., Citrus x sinensis), grapefruit (e.g., Citrus x paradisi), lemon (e.g., Citrus x limon), lime (e.g., Citrus aur antifolia), mandarin (e.g., Citris reticulata), and pomelo (e.g., Citrus maxima)), culled mangoes (e.g., Mangifera indica), culled members of th efragaria genus (e.g., strawberries (e.g., Fragaria x ananassa)), culled members of the Vaccinium genus (e.g., blueberries (e.g., Vaccinium corymbosum sect. Cyanoccocus), cranberries (e.g., Vaccinium macrocarpon), bilberries, whortleberries, lingonberries, cowberries, and huckleberries), culled sugar cane (e.g., Saccharum officinarum), culled members of the Rubus genus (e.g., blackberries (e.g., Rubus fruticosus species aggregate), boysenberries (e.g., Rubus ursinus x R. idaeus), raspberries (e.g., R. idaeus and R. strigosus, and hybrids thereof)), culled members of the Prunus genus ( e.g ., cherries ( e.g ., Prunus avium), plums ( e.g ., P. domestica ), apricots ( e.g ., P. armeniaca,

P. brigantina, P. mandshurica, P. mume, or P. sibirica ), pluots (e.g., hybrids of P. salicina and P. cerasifera), peaches (e.g., Prunus persica )), culled pears (e.g., Pyrus communis subsp. Communis, the Chinese white pear (bai li ) Pyrus x bretschneideri, and the Nashi pear Pyrus pyrifolia (also known as Asian pear or apple pear)), or mixtures or combinations thereof. The culled vegetable or fruit can be the entire plant or components thereof. The culled vegetable plant components can include or exclude: roots, leaves, stems, fruits, peels, seeds, flowers, tubers, pollen, and stalks.

[0102] In some embodiments, the culled fruit and/or vegetable fresh food waste component can be selected to yield a yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components by the methods described herein with a tailorable high sugar content. The culled fruit and/or vegetable fresh food waste component used to produce compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein with high sugar content can be culled fruits or vegetables with a high sugar (fructose, glucose, xylose, mannose, or sucrose) content. In some embodiments, the high sugar content containing fruits or vegetables can include or exclude: apples, pears, cherries, blackberries, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, papayas, watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, grapes, boysenberries, blackberries, plums, apricots, nectarines, guava, pluots, pineapples, mangoes, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium with an increased sugar content can be used to enhance the growth extent or growth rate of one or a plurality of yeast strains. In some embodiments, the yeast produced from yeast growth culture medium with an increased sugar content can be separated, optionally dried, and used as animal provender.

Systems for Producing Compositions Comprising a Yeast Growth Culture Medium

[0103] In one embodiment, the method of producing the animal feed composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains in a nutrient rich hydrolysate made from fresh food waste is made by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, emulsifying, pasteurizing, and stabilizing said fresh food waste. In some embodiments, the nutrient rich hydrolysate is used as a yeast growth medium. During incubation, the one or more enzymes release nutritional components from the fresh food waste components by digesting proteins, carbohydrates (such as sugars, starches, pectin and/or cellulosic materials), and/or fats and oils in the fresh food waste components to produce, in one embodiment, an incubated biological hydrolysate rich in nourishment, comprising, for example, amino acids, simple sugars, fatty acids, triglycerides, antioxidants, vitamins, polypeptides, fertilizers, and minerals. In some embodiments, the incubated biological hydrolysate can be emulsified or homogenized using an ultra-high shear grinder to produce a stably emulsified yeast growth culture medium, useful as a fertilizer and soil amendment, or as animal feed. The incubated biological hydrolysate can be filtered or evaporated, to produce a concentrated liquid product or animal feed composition, or dried to yield a dry product which can be used as yeast growth culture medium, fertilizer or animal feed. In some embodiments, the concentration liquid product can be used as a yeast growth culture medium.

[0104] In some embodiments, compositions comprising a yeast growth culture medium are made using a system comprising a heated feed tank. In some embodiments, the heated feed tank can be configured to be between the incubation tank and the separation tank. In some embodiments, the feed tank can be configured to be between the grinding tank and the incubation vessel. In some embodiments, the feed tank can be configured to be between the incubation vessel and the drying equipment. The feed tank can be jacketed to afford temperature control. The jacketed feed tank can be steam sparged to increase the rate of temperature increase. In some embodiments, the feed tank is heated to a temperature ranging from about 100 °F to about 220 °F. In some embodiments, the feed tank is heated to around 160 °F.

[0105] In some embodiments, grinding of the one or plurality of fresh food waste components may be carried out using a rotary knife grinder. In some embodiments, the one or plurality of fresh food waste components s may be further ground with a low RPM/high torque grinder with shredding action may also be used to further grind the slurry. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a yeast growth culture medium described herein can be blended with a carbohydrate fresh food waste component using a knife grinder to produce pelletized products.

[0106] In some embodiments, the incubating ground slurry can be sheared with a high shear grinder with shearing action, which can comprise, for example, a high shear mixer with a disintegrating head, during all or a part of the incubating and pasteurizing steps. A high- shear mixer disperses or transports one phase or ingredient (liquid, solid, or gas) into a main continuous phase (liquid), with which it would normally be immiscible. A rotor or impeller, together with a stationary component known as a stator, or an array of rotors and stators, is used either in a tank containing the solution to be mixed, or in a pipe through which the solution passes, to create shear. The high shear grinder can impart a high shear rate onto the slurry. In some embodiments, the high shear grinder can be, for example, the ARDE Dicon In-Line Dispersing Grinder, or a Silverson Mixer Homogenizer. As used herein, “shear” refers to a cutting action that reduces food particle size, increasing its surface area, and therefore, its interaction with enzyme molecules. In some embodiments, high shear is created by circulating the slurry through a high speed, high shear mixer throughout the digest at rates in the range of 10⁵-10⁶ sec ¹ or more.

[0107] This disclosure does not include a garbage disposal as the shearing means.

[0108] In some embodiments, the methods described herein are performed under aerobic conditions, with little decomposition. In some embodiments, the methods described herein are performed in the presence of added oxygen during the incubation and/or pasteurization steps. The oxygen can be added by sparging the incubation solution with oxygen gas. The oxygen can be introduced at an amount between about 0.1 atm to 10 atm.

In some embodiments, the amount of added oxygen is selected from: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7,

2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9,

5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1,

7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3,

9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, or 10 atm, or any range between the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the methods described herein are performed in the presence of ambient oxygen levels.

[0109] In some embodiments, the methods described herein are performed, for example, in less than about 2 to about 12 hours or more, for example, about 3 to about 4 hours, preferably about 3 hours. [0110] In some embodiments, the yeast can be separated from the yeast growth culture from which the yeast is grown using a cylindroconical vessel, which has a conical bottom and a cylindrical top. In some embodiments, the yeast can be separated from the yeast growth culture from which the yeast is grown using a means to apply differential sedimentation. In some embodiments, the means of applying differential sedimentation comprises a centrifuge. In some embodiments, the centrifuge can be a tricanter centrifuge.

In some embodiments, the tricanter centrifuge can be from Flottweg (Germany), U.S. Centrifuge (United States), or Peony (China).

[0111] In some embodiments, the liquid portion of the hydrolysate described herein can be separated from the solids portion of the hydrolysates described herein using a separation step. In some embodiments, the separation step uses a centrifugation step. The centrifugation separation step can control the levels of high-titer point oils from the hydrolysate. In some embodiments, the fat content in the compositions comprising yeast growth culture medium where the composition is a hydrolysate made by the processes described herein can be controlled using a tricanter centrifuge. In some embodiments, the fat content can be reduced from 5-12% to 0.2-4% (weight percent) using the centrifugal separation step. In some embodiments, the fat content can be reduced from 5-12% to about 1-2 % (by weight) for the liquid phase using the centrifugal separation step. In some embodiments, the fat content can be reduced from 5-12% or more to about 2-4% (by weight). In some embodiments, the fat content can be reduced from 5-12% or more to about 3-4.5% (by weight). In some embodiments, the fat content can be reduced from 5-12% or more to about 0.1-1.5% (by weight). In some embodiments, the fat content can be reduced from 5- 12% or more to about 0.05 to about 0.1% (by weight). The centrifugation step can be performed from 2000 rpm to 5000 rpm. The centrifugation step can be performed at a throughput of 5-50 gallons per minute, preferably from about 13 to about 15 gallons per minute. The centrifuge step can be performed at from 1,000 to 9,000 rpm, preferably at a rate of 3,000 - 5,000 rpm, with the material at a temperature of 120 °F - 220 °F, preferably at a temperature range of 140 °F to 180 °F (degrees Fahrenheit). The ability to selectively control the fats content in the aqueous (liquid) phase of the hydrolysate affords the ability to control the hydrophobicity, tackiness, and/or emulsion properties of the processed product. [0112] In some embodiments, the yeasts or compositions comprising yeast and yeast growth culture medium made by the methods described herein can be concentrated to form a dewatered form of the composition. In some embodiments, the dewatered composition can be blended with dry fresh food components (e.g., bread) to produce pelletized animal provender. The concentration of the compositions can be achieved using vacuum evaporation or vibrating filters. Vacuum evaporation removes water solvent, and therefore increases the relative concentration of the aqueous phase components relative to pre concentrating. Vibrating filters can be used to remove water and salts from the aqueous phase. In some embodiments, the compositions can be dewatered by lyophilization. In some embodiments, the compositions can be dewatered by using a dewatering drum. In some embodiments, the dewatering drum is a vacuum dewatering drum. In some embodiments, the compositions can be dewatered by azeoptropic removal by the addition of ethanol to form an azeotrope with the water, followed by evaporation of the azeotrope, ethanol, and water under atmospheric or vacuum conditions.

Enzymes and Processes to Make Yeast Culture Growth Media From Fresh Food Waste Components

[0113] In some embodiments, the selected enzymes involved in the incubation step used to make hydrolysates for use as a yeast growth culture medium can include or exclude: at least one enzyme to digest proteins, at least one enzyme to digest fats and lipids, or at least one enzyme to digest cellulosic material or at least one enzyme to digest other carbohydrates. The selected enzymes may include or exclude: xylanase, asparaginase, cellulase, hemicellulase, glumayase, beta-glumayase (endo- 1,3(4)-), urease, protease, lipase, amylase, keratinase, alpha-amylase, phytase, phosphatase, aminopeptidase, amylase, carbohydrase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, chitinase, cutinase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, deoxyribonuclease, esterase, alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase, glucoamylase, alpha- glucosidase, beta-glucosidase, haloperoxidase, invertase, laccase, keratinase (EC 3.4.99), mannosidase, oxidase, glucose oxidase, pectinolytic enzyme, pectinesterase, peptidoglutaminase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, proteolytic enzyme, protease, ribonuclease, thioglucosidase, and transglutaminase. These enzymes may be selected, for example, from the group consisting of enzymes originating from microbial fermentation, enzymes derived from animal digestion, enzymes derived from a microorganism, and enzymes derived from plants. [0114] In some embodiments, the selected one or more enzymes may be added as individual enzymes or enzyme combinations to the slurry at various times, and incubated at selected temperatures. In one embodiment, the selected one or more enzymes is added to the ground biological slurry in a first enzyme combination comprising at least two of the selected enzymes described herein, and incubated at a first temperature, followed by addition of a second enzyme combination comprising two or more selected enzymes, and incubation at a second temperature. In some embodiments, a third enzyme combination can be added comprising two or more selected enzymes, and incubated at a temperature suitable for, or optimized for the activity of the enzymes in the enzyme combination. In some embodiments the final enzyme or enzyme combination may comprise a protease, to avoid digestion of previously added enzymes.

[0115] In one embodiment, a first enzyme combination of the selected enzymes is added during a first incubation step at a first temperature between about ambient temperature ( e.g ., 55 degrees F (Fahrenheit) to about 90 degrees F, including 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62,

63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,

88, 89, or 90 degrees F) to 140 degrees F, to form an incubating mixture. In some embodiments, the first temperature is selected from 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66,

67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91,

92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129,

130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, and 139 degrees F, or any range between any two of the recited temperatures. In one embodiment, the first enzyme combination can be added at an ambient first temperature, and enzymatic processes begin while the system is heated up to a second temperature. The incubation with the first enzyme combination can be carried out for the entirety of the heat ramp time to achieve the second temperature. The time for the heat ramp time can be between from about 20 minutes to about 6 hours, preferably 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, even more preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour. In some embodiments, the time for the heat ramp time can is selected from: 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the time for the heat ramp time is selected from: 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 and 6 hours, or any range in between any two heat ramp times. The first selected enzyme combination may in some embodiments of this disclosure comprise at least one cellulase and at least one lipase. Preferably the first selected enzyme combination comprises enzymes for digesting complex carbohydrates from plants, for example endocellulase, exocellulase (or another cellulase formulation), and lipase. The first temperature may in some embodiments, preferably be about 95 degrees F to about 140 degrees F, or any temperature described herein for the first temperature. In some embodiments, the incubating mixture is incubated at the first temperature for about 30 minutes. In some embodiments, an organic or inorganic chemical and/or buffer with a pKa enabling a pH above 7.0 may be added to the incubating mixture to increase the pH of the mixture and increase the effectiveness of the first enzyme combination.

[0116] In one embodiment, at least a second combination of selected enzymes may be added to the incubating mixture, and a second incubation step may be carried out at a second temperature between about 96 degrees F to 145 degrees F. In some embodiments, the second temperature is selected from: 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108,

109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126,

127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145 degrees F, or any range between any two of the recited temperatures. The time of the second incubation may be, in some embodiments, between about 1 to about 18 hours or more, preferably between 1.2 to 6 hours, more preferably about 1.5 hours to 2 hours. In some embodiments, the second incubation time is selected from: 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9,

4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1,

6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4,

10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12, 12.1,

12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8,

13.9, 14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5,

15.6, 15.7, 15.8, 15.9, 16, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7, 16.8, 16.9, 17, 17.1, 17.2,

17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, and 18 hours, or any range in between any two incubation times.

[0117] In some embodiments, the second enzyme combination may comprise at least one pectinase, at least one protease, and alpha- amylase. In some embodiments, one protease may be added after one pectinase and alpha-amylase in a third enzyme combination. In some embodiments, the alpha-amylase can be 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase (e.g., glycogenase).

[0118] In one embodiment, when the one or plurality of fresh food waste components comprises culled fruits or vegetables, the selected enzymes can be selected from: a cellulase, a pectinase, a ligninase, an amylase, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pectinase can be selected from: pectolyase, pectozyme, polygalacturonase, and combinations thereof. Without being bound by theory, a pectinase breaks down the pectin (e.g., polymethyl galacturonate) comprising the cell walls of the fruit or vegetable. The amylase can be selected from: alpha-amylase, beta-amylase (1,4-a-D-glucan maltohydrolase), gamma- amylase (glucan 1,4-a-glucosidase; amyloglucosidase; or exo-l,4-a-glucosidase), and combinations thereof. The amylase can catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. The cellulase can break down cellulose molecule into monosaccharides such as beta-glucose, or shorter polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. In some embodiments, the cellulose can be selected from: endocellulases (EC 3.2.1.4), exocellulases or cellobiohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.91), cellobiases (EC 3.2.1.21), oxidative cellulases, cellulose phosphorylases, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cellulase can be selected from: endo-l,4-beta-D- glucanase (beta-l,4-glucanase, beta-l,4-endoglucan hydrolase, endoglucanase D, 1,4- (l,3,l,4)-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), avicelase, celludextrinase, cellulase A, cellulosin AP, alkali cellulase, cellulase A 3, 9.5 cellulase, pancellase SS, and combinations thereof.

[0119] The temperature and pH of an incubation with one or more selected enzymes can be selected in order to optimize, or be suitable, for the activity of the enzymes in the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a first temperature and pH may be selected in order to optimize, or be suitable, for the activity of the first selected one or more enzymes in a first enzyme combination, while a second temperature and pH may be selected in order to optimize, or be suitable, for the activity of the selected enzymes in a second selected enzyme combination. In other embodiments, the timing of an enzyme combination may be selected in order to minimize the impact of enzymes on each other. In one embodiment, when a protease is added in combination with another selected enzyme, the protease would be added second, such that the protease would not degrade the other selected enzyme.

Grinding to Increase the Yield of Hydrolysates used for Yeast Culture Growth Media [0120] In some embodiments, after incubating the ground slurry with the one or more selected enzymes, the incubated ground biological slurry can be heated to between about 150 to 180 degrees F, preferably 150-170 degrees F, for about 30 minutes to about 18 hours, preferably from about 30 minutes to 2 hours, to further pasteurize the ground slurry. In some embodiments, the ground slurry is heated for at a temperature selected from: 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170,

171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180 degrees F, or any range between any two recited temperatures. In some embodiments, the ground slurry is heated for about a time selected from: 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 minutes; or 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8,

1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4,

4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2,

6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4,

8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4,

17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, and 18 hours, or any range in between any two recited times.

Pasteurization of Yeast Growth Culture Media to Control Pathogenic Bacteria Levels in the Compositions

[0121] In some embodiments, the hydrolysates of this disclosure which can be used as a yeast growth culture medium may be pasteurized to further reduce or inactivate pathogen concentrations to non-detectable levels. In some embodiments, the pasteurization is performed for about 15 minutes to about 1 hour. In some embodiments, the pasteurization step is performed for a time selected from: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the pasteurization step may be performed at various combinations of temperature, pressure, and duration, as commonly used in pasteurization processes. In these embodiments, the pasteurization may be performed, for example, from about 15 minutes to about 12 hours, for any length of time at 15 minute intervals between 15 minutes to 12 hours ( e.g 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, etc.), or any pasteurization time described herein. In some embodiments, the temperature can be from about 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144,

145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162,

163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, or 180 degrees F, or more, or any temperature or range falling between any two of those temperatures. In some embodiments, the pasteurization may be performed at 1-10 atm (atmospheres) pressure.

Methods of Emulsifying Yeast Growth Culture Media

[0122] The yeast growth culture medium can be emulsified using an ultra-high shear grinder. Emulsification can yield a homogeneous solution. The ultra-high shear grinder may be designed for maximum shear and low flow. In some embodiments, the ultra-high shear grinder may be, for example, a grinder suitable for polishing catchup. In some embodiments, the ultra-high shear grinder may be, for example, an ultra-high shear multi stage mixer with maximum shear and low flow. In one embodiment, the emulsified hydrolysate produced using an ultra-high shear mixer has an average particle size of less than about 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26 or about 25 microns or less, or 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 or 10 microns or less, or any range between any two recited sizes, preferably about 26 microns or less, or any emulsion mechanically created or created through the use of emulsifying agents. The size of the particles may be measured, for example, with laser light scattering as described herein. In some embodiments, the emulsified yeast growth culture medium can be blended with one or a plurality of yeast strains using more mild forms of mixing, including or excluding stirring, tumbling, or paddle mixing (of less than 1000 rpm) so as to not inactivate or kill the yeast.

Solids and Semi-Solids Particles Separation

[0123] The processes described herein can produce biological particles when performing the methods used to make hydrolysates which can be used as a yeast growth culture medium. In some embodiments, the levels of biological particles in the composition can be controlled using controlled centrifugation processes. In some embodiments, the controlled centrifugation processes can include or exclude a fixed number of centrifuge speeds, one or more steps, a ramping centrifuge speed between two or more different centrifuge speeds, and one or more centrifuge times. The biological particles can be separated from the hydrolysate by a variety of methods. In some embodiments, the biological particles can be separated by: screens, filters, sedimentation, centrifugation, the use of a hydrocyclone, a rotaspiral drum screen, and a horizontal belt filter. In some embodiments, one or a plurality of screens is used to separate biological particles from the hydrolysate. In some embodiments, screening or filtering of the pasteurized hydrolysate through one or more mesh screens may be used to separate the hydrolysate from particles that do not pass through the mesh. In some embodiments, the hydrolysate produced by incubating is then separated using a 30 mesh screen with an opening of 590 microns. In some embodiments, the 30 mesh screen is a vibrating screen. This separates the hydrolysate from particles too large to pass through the mesh, for example, particles having an average diameter larger than 590 microns. The hydrolysate passing through the first screen may then be further separated by filtering through a 200 mesh screen with an opening size of 74 microns. In some embodiments, the incubated particles removed from the hydrolysate by screening through the 200 mesh screen have a diameter of greater than 74 microns. In some embodiments the screen may be a vibrating screen. In some embodiments, a coarse screen and a fine screen can be used in two steps to separate and isolate the biological particles from the hydrolysate. In some embodiments, a mesh screen having 18-60 mesh may be used in a first screening step ("coarse screen"), for example 18 mesh screen with 1000 micron openings, 20 mesh screen with 841 micron openings, 25 mesh screen with 707 micron openings, 30 mesh screen with

590-595 micron openings, 35 mesh screen with 500 micron openings, 40 mesh screen with

400 micron openings, 45 mesh screen with 354 micron openings, 50 mesh screen with 297 micron openings, or 60 mesh screen with 250 micron openings, or other commercially available coarse screening technologies. In some embodiments a mesh screen having 35 to 400 mesh may be used in the second screening step ("fine screen"), for example, 35 mesh screen with 500 micron openings, 40 mesh screen with 400 micron openings, 45 mesh screen with 354 micron openings, 50 mesh screen with 297 micron openings, or 60 mesh screen with 250 micron openings, 70 mesh screen with 210 micron openings, 80 mesh screen with

177 micron openings, 100 mesh screen with 149 micron openings, 120 mesh screen with 125 micron openings, 140 mesh screen with 105 micron openings, 170 mesh screen with 88 micron openings, 200 mesh screen with 74 micron openings, 230 mesh screen with 63 micron openings, 270 mesh screen with 53 micron openings, 325 mesh screen with 44 micron openings or 400 mesh screen with 37 micron openings, or other commercially available fine screening technologies. pH of Yeast Growth Culture Media

[0124] In one embodiment, the hydrolysate used as a yeast growth culture medium can have a pH which is at or near the optimal growth pH of the one or plurality of yeast strains. In one embodiment, the pH of the hydrolysates used as a yeast growth culture medium can be adjusted using an additive to be at or near the optimal growth pH of the one or plurality of yeast strains. In some embodiments, the additive to adjust pH can be selected from: inorganic acid, organic acid, inorganic preservatives, or organic preservatives, emulsifiers or dispersants, including those which are allowed for use in the production of a certified organic hydrolysate. In some embodiments, the pH of the optimal one or plurality of yeast strains is selected from: 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8., 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,

4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4,

6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, or between any of the aforementioned pH levels.

[0125] In one embodiment, the yeast growth culture medium can comprise one or more phases. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture medium can comprise an aqueous phase and an oil phase. In some embodiments, the oil phase can further comprise fatty acids, biodiesel oils, and/or food oils. The aqueous phase, oil phase, and optionally the biological particles can be separated by a three-phase separator by the processes described herein. In some embodiments, the three-phase separator is a tricanter centrifuge. In some embodiments, the tricanter centrifuge is a Flottwegg Separator (Germany). In some embodiments, the centrifugal three phase separator is a Peony (China) Centrifuge. In some embodiments, the centrifugal three phase separator is an Alfa Laval (Sweden) centrifuge. In some embodiments, the incubated biological hydrolysate can be separated using a hydrocyclone to separate the particles from the liquids. The hydrocyclone can be a Sand Separator from Netafim (USA), or a John Deer F1000 Sand Separator (Deer, USA).

Use of Compositions Comprising Yeast Grown From Yeast Growth Culture Media as Fungicide

[0126] Pathogenic fungi are a primary cause of fruit rotting, and may occur at pre harvest or post-harvest. Grey mold is a microbial-based disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea, and is the most important post-harvest disease of many fruits, including strawberries. Also known as “cluster rot” or “nest rot,” grey mold can cause large losses because of its ability to spread from infected to adjacent healthy fruit during storage, or from plant to plant via wind.

[0127] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides for a composition for the treatment/prevention of microbial diseases of fruit comprising an effective amount of one or a plurality of yeast strains grown from a yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein described herein, optionally in association with one or more agriculturally acceptable carriers or excipients.

[0128] In some embodiments, the yeast strains made from, or present with compositions comprising one or plurality of yeast strains yeast with yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein can be used as an anti-fungal agent.

[0129] In some embodiments, the targeted fungus can be selected from: Macrophomina phaseolina, Phytophthora cactorum, Verticillium dahlia, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia minor, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In some embodiments, the yeast strains of this disclosure are selected from: Macrophomina

Phytophthora cactorum, Verticillium dahlae, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum. In some embodiments, the targeted fungus can be selected from Penicillium expansum and Mucor piriformis.

[0130] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of yeast strains which can be used as an anti-fungal agent are selected from: Candida off. palmioleophila, strain UCDFST 76- 589; Candida boidinii, strain UCDFST 09-399 ; Candida boidinii, strain UCDFST 14-252; Candida pelliculosa, strain UCDFST 40-438; Cyberlindnera off. lachancei, strain UCDFST 73-617; Cyberlindnera jadinii, strain UCDFST 74-61; Cyberlindnera saturnus, strain UCDFST 61-193; Debaryomyces fabryi, strain UCDFST 96-1; Debaryomyces hansenii, strain UCDFST 04-847; Debaryomyces hansenii, strain UCDFST 40-61; Debaryomyces hansenii, strain UCDFST 40-65; Debaryomyces nepalensis, strain UCDFST 72-46; Debaryomyces prosopidis, strain UCDFST 84-101; Galactomyces candidus, strain UCDFST 09-568; Galactomyces candidus, strain UCDFST 09-582; Galactomyces candidus, strain UCDFST 72-186; Kazachstania humilis, strain UCDFST 68-114; Kazachstania lodderae, strain UCDFST 56-10; Kazachstania spencerorum, strain UCDFST 01-155; Kluyveromyces lactis var. drosophilarum, strain UCDFST 50-152; Kluyveromyces marxianus, strain UCDFST 05-822; Kuraishia cidri, strain UCDFST 12-171; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 09-369; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 09-505; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 12-176; Meyerozyma caribbica, strain UCDFST 44-4; Pichia kudriavzevii, strain UCDFST 11-602; Rhodotorula off. paludigena, strain UCDFST 81-84; Rhodotorula babjevae, strain UCDFST 04-877; Rhodotorula glutinis, strain UCDFST 03-483;

Rhodotorula glutinis, strain UCDFST 40-108; Rhodotorula glutinis, strain UCDFST 68-255; Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, strain UCDFST 40-129; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 05-780; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 09-448; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 40-148; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain UCDFST 75-4; Suhomyces aff. xylopsoci, strain UCDFST 11-369; Vishniacozyma carnescens, strain UCDFST 05-551; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 09-305; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 09-389; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 40-382; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 73-29; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 82-2; Wickerhamomyces anomalus, strain UCDFST 83-21; and Zygoascus hellenicus, strain UCDFST 11-671. All of the aforementioned UCD yeast strains can be obtained from the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection at the University of California, Davis.

[0131] The one or plurality of yeast strains described herein may be readily cultivated in the yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein according to standard procedures (for example as described by Phaff, Miller and Mark, The Life of Yeasts, 2nd Edition, Harvard University Press 1978; and Devenport, R. R., Outline Guide to Media and Methods for Studying Yeasts and Yeast Like Organisms, in Biology and Activity of Yeasts, A. P. London, 1980, both of which are incorporated herein by reference). Yeast strains can be readily typed according to standard procedures (such as described in Yeasts: Characteristics and Identification by Barnet et al. [1983] Cambridge University Press) to ascertain whether they belong to the aforementioned species. [0132] While this disclosure specifically describes the aforementioned yeast strains grown from yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited and extends to any yeast strain of the aforementioned species, preferably species Galactomyces candidus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Rhodotorula aff. paludigena ; or mutants/derivatives thereof, optionally in association with one or more agriculturally acceptable carriers or excipients which have activity in the treatment/prevention of microbial diseases of fruits. As described in the examples, the inventors have developed rapid and routine assays where yeast strains, including mutants, grown from yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein can be screened for the treatment/prevention of microbial diseases of fruit.

[0133] In some embodiments, this disclosure includes compositions comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture medium made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein, optionally with one or more agriculturally acceptable carriers or excipients. The term "carriers" includes water, buffer solutions, carbohydrate containing solutions, saline solutions and any other material suitable for the maintenance of yeast strains and the like. The term "excipient" refers to additives, which can include or exclude surfactants, antioxidants, nutrients, and fungicides as described herein.

[0134] In some embodiments, compositions of this disclosure can be applied to the post-harvest treatment of fruit. Harvested fruit is readily amenable to treatment with the compositions of this invention according to procedures for the application of compositions, such as pesticides or fungicides, to fruit. In some embodiments, the compositions of this disclosure may be applied to fruit pre-harvest again according to standard procedures. [0135] Fruit which may be treated in accordance with the methods of this disclosure can include or exclude: pome fruit ( e.g ., apples and pears), stone fruit ( e.g ., peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums and cherries), citrus fruit (e.g. oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruit, pomelos, and limes), grapes, strawberries, blackberries, boysenberries, blueberries, lettuce, bananas, and spinach, as previously described. Apples which may be treated in accordance with methods of this disclosure can include or exclude Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Gala and strains thereof, Fuji, Newton, and Macintosh varietals. Pears can include or exclude Packham's Triumph, William's Bon Chretian and Beurre Bose varietals.

[0136] As used herein, the term “grapes” refers to its meaning as understood in the art and includes table grapes and wine grapes.

[0137] As used herein, the term “citrus fruit” refers to its meaning as understood in the art and includes oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, clementines, lemons, limes, kumqwat, Citroen, pomello, mandarin and hybrids derived therefrom.

[0138] As used herein, the term “pome fruit refers to its meaning as understood in the art and includes apples, pears and quinces.

[0139] As used herein, the term “stone fruit” refers to its meaning as understood in the art and includes peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, mangos.

[0140] As used herein, the term “nuts” refers to its meaning as understood in the art and includes tree nuts, such as, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts; and peanuts.

[0141] As used herein, the term “Grains” refers to its meaning as understood in the art and includes cereal grains, maize, rice, wheat, barley, sorghum, millets, oats, rye, triticale, buckwheat, fomio and quinoa. [0142] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides for a method for the treatment/prevention of microbial disease of fruit comprising applying to said fruit an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one yeast strain selected from the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae (preferably strain UCDFST 09-448), Rhodotorula off. paludigena (preferably strain UCDFST 81-84), Wickerhamomyces anomalus (preferably strain UCDFST 09-389), Kluyveromyces marxianus (preferably strain UCDFST 05-822), Meyerozyma caribbica (preferably strain UCDFST 12-176), Galactomyces candidus (preferably strain UCDFST 09-582), and Pichia kudriavzevii (preferably strain UCDFST 11- 602), optionally in association with one or more agriculturally acceptable carriers or excipients.

[0143] In the method of this invention, compositions of one or plurality of yeast strains with yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein may be applied to fruit by methods well known in the art, for example by spraying dipping, drenching or as a mist.

[0144] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of yeast strains grown from or in a composition comprising the yeast culture growth media described herein may be supplied in any physiologic state such as active or dormant. Dormant yeast may be supplied, for example, frozen ( e.g in DMSO/glycerol), dried or lyophilized. Further, the yeast of the composition may be supplied in any physical form including, but not limited to a liquid suspension, an emulsion, a powder, granules, a lyophylisate or a gel. If the composition includes dormant yeast, they may require re-activation prior to use, for example by rehydration and or incubation in a nutrient medium. Preferably, dormant yeast will become active when applied or subsequent to application.

[0145] A dry formulation of the one or plurality of yeast strains grown from a yeast growth culture media described herein can be produced by several drying methods including freeze drying, air drying, spray drying, or fluidized bed drying. Skim milk, sucrose, lactose etc., can be added to the yeast cells as protectants during the drying process. [0146] In some embodiments, compositions comprising one or plurality of yeast strains of this disclosure can include excipients to increase the biocontrol activity of pathogenic fungi during field application. These include surfactants as described herein, BREAK THRU™; adhesion promoters such as sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose and chitosan; UV protectant such as solubilized lignin solution; wax, shellac, and food grade additives to be applied to harvested fruits to protect fruits from rot during storage.

[0147] Fruit treated in accordance with the methods of this invention may be stored at standard fruit temperature storage, such as 0° C, 4° C and room temperature free of the effects of microbial infection or with reduced susceptibility to infection. This is most important as fruit, such as apples and pears, may be stored for a significant time period before sale or use. In some embodiments, fruit may be stored at temperatures of about 0° or 4° C up to at least 12 months without spoilage. Fruit treated in accordance with this invention may also be stored in controlled atmosphere ( e.g ., from 1.5% to 3% oxygen and 1.5% to 3% carbon dioxide) without microbial infection, or control of microbial infection.

[0148] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides for fruit which has been treated with an effective amount of a composition comprising an effective amount of at least one yeast strain described herein with a yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein. Such fruit is resistant to the effects of microbial disease of fruit, including Botrytis cinerea, and thus may be stored for extended time periods and handled without problems of microbial disease infection.

[0149] The compositions comprising one or plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components made by the methods described herein have unexpected and very potent activity in the treatment/prevention of microbial disease of fruit. In some embodiments, the microbial disease of fruit is infection by a pathogenic fungus. In some embodiments, the pathogenic fungus is a phytopathogenic fungus. In some embodiments, the pathogenic fungus is mycotoxigenic. In some embodiments, the fungus is necrotrophic.

[0150] Not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that there are three possible mechanisms by which the one or plurality of yeast strains can control or kill pathogenic fungi: (1) the yeast strain can outcompete the pathogenic fungus for nutrients, (2) the yeast strain can exude an anti-fungal agent, and/or (3) the yeast strain is directly antagonistic to the pathogenic fungus. In some embodiments, the exuded anti-fungal agent from the one or plurality of yeast strains can include or exclude an organic acid, an enzyme, a branched alcohol, a cyclopeptide, or an aldehyde or ketone. In some embodiments, the organic acid can include or exclude: lactic acid, acetic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, polyporic acid, azelaic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4- hydroxybenzoic acid, -coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, succinic acid, 2- pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid), decanoic acid, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, (S)-(-)-2- hydroxyisocapric acid, coriolic acid, ricinoleic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, (S)-(-)- 2-hydroxyisocapric acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, butanoic acid, linear propionic acid, branched propionic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, azelaic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, dl- b-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, 4-methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienoic acid, (4- methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienal), and rhodotorulic acid. In some embodiments, the branched alcohol can include or exclude: Reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde), 2,4-di-tert- butylphenol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-phenylethanol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 3 -methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-methyl- 1 -propanol, and 2-ethyl- 1-hexanol. In some embodiments, the cyclopeptide can include or exclude: cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Pro), cyclo(L- Met-L-Pro), cyclo(Phe-Pro), cyclo(Phe-OH-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-trans-4- OH-L-Pro), cyclo(L-His-L-Pro), cyclo(Leu-Leu), and cyclo-(L-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydroxy-L- piOlyl-d-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydiOxy-L-prolinc). In some embodiments, the aldehyde or ketone can include or exclude: diacetyl, 2,3-pentadione, 5-pentyl-2-furaldehyde, and 2-nonanone. In some embodiments, the enzyme can include or exclude: chitinase, beta-glucanase, xylanase, protease, peroxidase, and cellulase. In some embodiments, the beta-glucanase is a beta- 1,3- glucanase.

Growth of Yeast

[0151] In some embodiments, the yeast strains of this disclosure are grown under aerobic conditions at any temperature satisfactory for growth of the organism, e.g., from about 10° C. to about 30° C. The preferred temperature is 20°-25° C. The inventors have discovered that the pH of the yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste made by the methods described herein is an ideal pH for the growth of selected yeast strains, preferably Galactomyces candidus. In some embodiments, the pH of the yeast growth culture medium described herein is about pH 5.0, in some embodiments is about 4.0 to 6.0. In some embodiments, the pH of the yeast growth culture medium described herein ranges from about 4.0 to about 7.5. In some embodiments, the incubation time is that time necessary for the one or plurality of yeast strains to reach a stationary phase of growth. Incubation time for the yeast growth can range from about 24-72 hours.

[0152] The one or plurality of yeast strains described herein can be grown in the yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein where the growth culture media is in the form of a suitable solid or liquid media. Solid media that can be used include the aforementioned growth culture in an agar solution. Agar solutions can be made by mixing the yeast growth culture media in agar, heating the solution up to the melting temperature of agar, mixing the yeast growth culture media with the dissolved agar, then allowing the solution to cool below the melting temperature of agar to form a semi-solid agar- yeast growth culture media. The one or plurality of yeast strains described herein may be grown the yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein when the yeast growth culture media is in liquid form, using, in some embodiment, any conventional shake flask at 28 degrees Celcius on a shaker at about 150-200 rpm. For larger scale operations, the claimed one or plurality of yeast strains is grown in liquid form of the yeast growth culture media described herein in a fermentation tank, while applying agitation and aeration to the inoculated liquid medium. The yeast cells are harvested by conventional sedimentary methodology, e.g., centrifugation or filtering. The cultures are stored at about 4 degrees Celcius. until use. Yeast stock culture was maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA). In some embodiments, the one or plurality of yeast strains are maintained in the yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components by the methods described herein, and used as an anti-fungal composition or animal feedstock. [0153] The yeast strains described herein may be grown by any of the methods known in the art for such yeast. For small scale fermentation, conventional shaker flasks are preferred. For large scale fermentation, fermentation tanks are preferred. Agitation and/or aeration is preferably supplied to the inoculated liquid medium. Following incubation, the organisms are harvested by conventional methods, e.g., centrifugation or filtering. Cultures or harvested cells may be stored by conventional means, e.g., by freeze drying after addition of a cryoprotectant. In some embodiments, the yeast is maintained in the yeast culture growth media described herein.

Amount of yeast in the compositions of the invention

[0154] The compositions of this disclosure are generally provided in an amount effective to treat and/or prevent fungal disease of agricultural commodities, including fruit and/or plants. An "effective amount" of a composition of this disclosure is an amount of the composition which reduces the incidence or severity of a fungal disease when applied to the agricultural commodity, including fruit and/or plants, preferably by 50% or more as compared with controls.

[0155] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of yeasts described herein are applied at an effective concentration ranging from about lxlOM to 1c10^L12 colony forming units (CFU)/ml, preferably from lxlO^A7 to lxl0^A8 CFU/ml.

[0156] The yeast strains of this disclosure may be used individually or in combination with one or more other yeast strains of this disclosure. The yeast strains of this disclosure may also be used in combination with other microbes used for the biological control of fungal or other diseases of agricultural commodities, including those of fruits and/or plants, in an amount compatible with the effectiveness of a yeast strain of this disclosure. The yeast strains of this disclosure and the additional biological control agent may be applied to the agricultural commodity, including fruits and/or plants, at the same time as part of a single composition or at different times, either before or after application of a yeast of this disclosure. Use of Compositions Comprising Yeast with Yeast Growth Culture Media to Enhance Crop and/or Produce Yields

[0157] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media described herein can eliminate or reduce the use of conventional nitrate or ammonia based fertilizers such as urea nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, or other nitrate or ammonia based fertilizers, while also improving crop yields relative to the use of nitrate fertilizers alone. The aforementioned compositions of this disclosure may promote faster initial growth after germination, increase root growth, increase canopy growth, increase field and/or greenhouse crop yields and/or increase the quality or flavor of the produce relative to the use of nitrate fertilizers alone, for example by increasing the levels of sugar and/or other flavor components. Moreover, when the aforementioned compositions of this disclosure are used in combination with nitrate or ammonia based fertilizers, plant growth is improved, including, for example, more vigorous root growth to form more extensive root systems. This results in uptake of a higher percentage of nitrate or ammonia based fertilizers by more extensive root systems of the treated plants, thereby further decreasing the amount of nitrate run off beyond the reduction in the amount of nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer applied and increasing water and nitrate use efficiency.

[0158] In one embodiment, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media described herein are suitable for use as fertilizer and soil amendment. The high nutrient concentration in the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media described herein provides two separate mechanisms to improving crop yield: (1) nutrients are provided directly to the plants (including amino acids) and also increases the organic matter in the soil by providing nutrients for soil organisms, and (2) the yeast microorganisms may die and the organic matter from their components released into the soil and taken up as nutrients by beneficial microbes which deliver nutrients to the plan rhizosphere.. These soil organisms which obtain nutrients from the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media of this disclosure grow and promote plant growth, through nitrogen fixation or by providing additional organic nutrients for plants and otherwise improving soil quality. For example, liquid forms of the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media comprising amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, and minerals not only make nutrients directly available to plants, but also improve the soil by sustaining soil organisms including earthworms and microorganisms, including, for example, nitrogen fixing organisms ( e.g ., bacteria and archaea) and aerobic bacteria and fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae), nematodes, protozoa, and a range of invertebrates. The amount of soil organisms increases after application to the soil of the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media described herein. The amount of soil organisms can be measured using carbon dioxide respiration, using the methods described in Kallenback el al. (Nature Comm., published on-line November 28, 2016, doi:10.1038/ncommsl3630). In some embodiments, application of the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media described herein to soil increases the amount of soil organic matter. The soil organic matter content can be measured by pyrolysis-GC/MS (as described in Grandy, et al, Geoderma, 150, 278-286 (2009)).

[0159] In one embodiment the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media described herein may act as fertilizers. The fertilizers of this disclosure may be applied using irrigation drip lines. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media of this disclosure are diluted prior to use. For example, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media may be diluted with water to 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8, 1/9, 1/10 or in some applications, to as little as 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% or less prior to use. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media may be presented in a dry powder form, and dissolved in water prior to use. Preferably the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media is diluted to 1/10 or as low as 1% (wt.) or less prior to use. In some embodiments, the suitability of the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media of this disclosure for use with drip irrigation without clogging drip lines results from grinding and emulsification of water and oil soluble particles in the hydrolysates. Flushing and/or cleaning of drip lines with water following may also be desirable to avoid microbe growth in drip lines following application of the hydrolysates of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media is applied to crops by spraying, preferably via a sprinkler. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media is blended with a soil amendment, e.g., manure or rendering byproducts, before application of the soil amendment to the soil before or during crop growth.

[0160] In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a method of increasing the yield of produce, the method comprising applying by drip line irrigation a composition comprising compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media comprises nutrients released by grinding, shearing, homogenization and enzymatic digestion, and an acid stabilizer, wherein the aforementioned compositions have an average particle size of less than about 30 microns and a pH of between about 2.5 and 3.5, wherein the yield of produce is increased by at least 10% in some crops, and over 40% in other crops compared to treatment with nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer alone. In some embodiments, the (diluted) compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media is applied in combination with nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer, either through separate application on the same or different schedules, or by combining the admixture and nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer in a mixture. For example, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media may be applied in a 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40, 55:45 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80, 15:85, or 10:90 mixture (v/v) or any ratio between any of the aforementioned ratios, or in that ratio in combination with a nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer.

[0161] In some embodiments, application of the fertilizers of this disclosure increase crop yield relative to the use of nitrate fertilizers alone, as described herein, even when the amount of nitrate or ammonia based fertilizer is decreased. Preferably the use of the yeast hydrolysate-based fertilizers of this disclosure increase crop yield relative to nitrate fertilizer alone by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, or at least 10% over a growing season.

[0162] When used as a fertilizer and soil amendment, the compositions comprising yeast and yeast growth culture medium of this disclosure provide higher crop yields by, for example, providing nourishment to plants in the form of accelerating nutrient motility to roots of plants or tubers, and increasing organic matter in the soil, tailoring the amino acid nutrient profile for the selected crop type, and by supporting the growth of beneficial soil organisms.

[0163] As used herein, the term “crop yield” refers to a measurement of the amount of a crop that was harvested per unit of land area. Crop yield can also refer to the actual seed generation from the plant. The unit by which the yield of a crop is measured is kilograms per hectare, bushels per acre, or tons per acre.

[0164] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising yeast and yeast growth culture medium produced by the methods of this disclosure facilitate the growth of beneficial microbial populations in the soil. Increased microbial activity increases the sequestering of carbon in the soil, thereby improving the sustainability of farm practices. The nutrients in the compositions described herein stimulate microbial life in the soil. Detritus from microbial life in the soil is the basis for long term carbon sequestration in the soil (Kallenbach, C. el al., Nature Comm., 7: 13630 (2016); Lehmann, J., Nature, 528:60-69 (2015)). In addition, bio surfactants exuded by one or more yeast strains accelerate the motility of micronutrients to the plants by solubilizing them from clays in the soil and transporting them to the plant rhizosphere. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to measuring increased carbon sequestration in the soil following application of the compositions described herein. In some embodiments, soil carbon sequestration can be measured by monitoring C¹³ or C¹⁴ in CO2 respirated from the soil. In some embodiments, the C¹³ or C¹⁴ in CO2 can be detected by GC- MS. In some embodiments, the GC-MS system can be an Agilent 5977B GC/MSD mass spectrometry system. In some embodiments, long-term biological stability of soil organic carbon can be measured by adding a C¹³-labelled substrate mixture (e.g. 1:1 glutamic acid:glucose at 25 atom % and 50 mg C per g soil) to a sample of soil treated with the compositions described herein, and then incubating for 3 months. Analysis of the labelled substrate enables analysis by a standard isotope mixing model (described in Ineson, P., Cotrufo, M. F., Bol, R., Harkness, D. D. & Blum, H. Quantification of soil carbon inputs under elevated C02:C-3 plants in a C-4 soil, Plant Soil, 187, 345e350 (1996)) to determine the amount of previously formed carbon vulnerable to decomposition by an active microbial community. In some embodiments, chemical stability of accumulated soil organic carbon can be measured with an acid hydrolysis fractionation. [0165] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media produced by the methods described herein can be blended or mixed with a dispersant to prevent fats and/or oils in the admixture from adsorbing to the delivery lines thus improving flow through the delivery lines when the aforementioned compositions is applied as a fertilizer to crops. Adding a dispersant to the compositions comprising a one or a plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture media also significantly improves emulsion formation of the aforementioned compositions.

In some embodiments, the dispersant can be a product listed in the EPA Product Schedule, June 2016, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which includes: ACCELL CLEAN® DWD (D-16) (Advanced BioCatalytics Corporation, California), BIODISPERS (D-9) (Petrotech America Corporation, New York), COREXIT® EC9500A (D-4) (Nalco Environmental Solutions LLC, Texas), COREXIT® EC9500B (D-19) (Nalco Environmental Solutions LLC, Texas), COREXIT® EC9527A (D-l) (Nalco Environmental Solutions LLC, Texas), DISPERSIT SPC 1000TM (D-5) (U.S. Polychemical Corp., New York), FFT- SOLUTION® (D-17) (Fog Free Technologies, LLC, South Carolina), FINASOL® OSR 52 (D-ll) (TOTAL FLUIDES, France), JD-109 (D-6) (GlobeMark Resources Ltd., Texas), JD- 2000™ (D-7) (GlobeMark Resources Ltd., Texas), MARE CLEAN 200 (D-3) (Ichinen Chemicals Co., Ltd, Japan), MARINE D-BLUE CLEAN™ (D-18) (AGS Solutions, Inc., Texas) , NEOS AB3000 (D-2) (NEOS Company Limited, Japan), NOKOMIS 3-AA (D-14) (Mar-Len Supply, Inc., Hayward, CA), NOKOMIS 3-F4 (D-8) (Mar-Len Supply, Inc., Hayward, CA), SAF-RON GOLD (D-12) (Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Inc., Atlanta, GA), SEA BRAT #4 (D-10) (B.R.A.T. Microbial Products Inc., Texas), SEACARE ECOSPERSE 52 (AKA of FINASOL® OSR 52) (TOTAL FLUIDES, France), SEACARE E.P.A. (AKA of DISPERSIT SPC 1000™) (TOTAL FLUIDES, France), ZI-400 (D-13) (Z.I. Chemicals, Los Angeles, CA), and/or ZI-400 OIL SPILL DISPERSANT (AKA of ZI-400) (Z.I. Chemicals, Los Angeles, CA).

[0166] In some embodiments, the dispersant can be a surface-active agent (surfactant). Surfactants, as used in this disclosure, can include or exclude: Polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, Octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Glucoside alkyl ethers, Decyl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside, Octyl glucoside, Polyethylene glycol , Octylphenyl ethers, Polyethylene glycol alkylphenyl ethers, Nonoxynol-9, Glycerol alkyl esters, Glyceryl laurate, Polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, Sorbitan alkyl esters, Cocamide MEA, Dodecyldimethylamine oxide, Cetrimonium bromide (CTAB), Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), Benzethonium chloride (BZT), Dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB), Docusate (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate), Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), Perfluorobutanesulfonate, Alkyl-aryl ether phosphates, Alkyl ether phosphates, Sodium Stearate, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA or PFO), Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidylcholine, Arkopal N-300 (C9H19C6H4O(CH2CH2O)30H), Brij 30 (polyoxyethylenated straight chain alcohol), Brij 35 (C12H250(CH2CH20)23H), Brij 56 (C16H33O(CH2CH2O)10H), Brij 58 (C 16H33 O(CH2CH2O)20H) , EGE Coco (ethyl glucoside), Genapol X-150 (C 13H270(CH2CH20) 15H) , Tergitol NP-10 (nonylphenolethoxylate), Marlipal 013/90 (C13H270(CH2CH20)9H), Pluronic PE6400 (), Sapogenat T-300

(C4H9)3C6H2O(CH2CH2O)30H), T-Maz 60K (ethoxylated sorbitan mono stearate), T-Maz 20 (ethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate), Triton X-45 (C8H17C6H40(CH2CH20)5H), Triton X-100 (C8H17C6H4(OC2H4)10OH), Triton X-102 (C8H17C6H40(CH2CH20)12H), Triton X-114 (C8H17C6H40(CH2CH20)7.5H), Triton X-165 (C8H17C6H40(CH2CH20)16H), Tween 80 (C18H37-C6H9O5-(OC2H4)20OH), Cocamidopropyl betaine, Ethoxylated nonylphenol, Diethanolamine, Propylene glycol, Oleic acid sorbitan monoester, Coconut oil monoethanolamide, Poly(ethylene glycol) monooleate, Polyethoxylated tallow amine, Dipropylene glycol methyl ether, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the concentration (weight percent) of the dispersant in the blend with the composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein can be selected from 0.5%, 1.0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%. In some embodiments, the dispersant concentration (weight percent) can range from: 0.1-1.0%, 1.0-3.0%, 3.0-5.0%, 5.0-7.0%, or 7.0-9.0%, or any percentage between any of the aforementioned percentages. In some embodiments, the concentration (weight percent) of the dispersant can be selected from: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0,

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1., 2.2., 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1,

3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2,

5.3, 5.4., 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3,

7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3., 9.4, and 9.5%, or any percentage between any of the recited percentages. Bio surfactants Exuding Yeasts for Improved Crop Yields

[0167] In some embodiments, the one or plurality of yeast strains includes a yeast strain which exudes a biosurfactant. In some embodiments, the yeast and/or the biosurfactant are those described in U.S. 2019/0119707, herein incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the exuded biosurfactant can include or exclude glycolipids, lipoproteins, sucrose glycolipids, fructose glycolipids, polysaccharide, corynomycolic acid, lipoheteropolysaccharide, liposan, trehalose dimycolate, mannosylerythritol lipid, cellobiose lipids, and polyol lipids. In some embodiments, the polyol lipids can include or exclude: (1) liamocins, which consist of a single partially acetylated polyol head group with three or four 3,5-dihydroxydecanoic tails polyesterified through the 5-hydroxy group(Price (2016) J Antibiot DOI 10.1038/ja.2016.92; Price (2013) Carbohydr Res 370:24-32), and (2) polyol esters of fatty acids (PEFA) produced by yeasts taxonomically close to th eRhodotorula glutinis/graminisc lade (Cajka (2016) J Nat Prod 79:2580-2589; Tulloch (1964) Can J Chem 42:830-835). In some embodiments, the exuded biosurfactant can include or exclude sphingomyelin, rhamnolipid, surfactin, sophorlipid, mycosubtilin, and lecithin.

[0168] In some embodiments, the bio surfactant-exuding yeast strain is selected from: a basidiomycetous yeast cells is from genera classified within the taxonomic order Sporidiobolales selected from the group consisting of Rhodosporidiobolus, Rhodotorula, and Sporobolomyces. In some embodiments, the basidiomycetous yeast cells comprises Rhodotorula cells. In some embodiments, the Rhodotorula cells are Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae ) cells. In some embodiments, the population of basidiomycetous yeast cells comprises one or more species selected from the group consisting of Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae), Rhodotorula diobovata (syn. Rhodosporidium diobovatum), Rhodotorula kratochvilovae (syn. Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae), Rhodotorula paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium paludigenum), Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium aff. paludigenum), and Rhodotorula dairenensis. In some embodiments, the population of basidiomycetous yeast cells comprises one or more strains selected from the group consisting of: Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae) strain NRRL Y-67018 (also deposited as UCDFST 04-877), Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae) strain NRRF Y-67017 (also deposited as UCDFST 05-775), Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae) strain UCDFST 68-916.1, Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae ) strain UCDFST 67-458, Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae ) strain UCDFST 05-736, Rhodotorula diobovata (syn. Rhodosporidium diobovatum) strain UCDFST 04-830, Rhodotorula diobovata (syn. Rhodosporidium diobovatum) strain NRRL Y-67015 (also deposited as UCDFST 08-225), Rhodotorula kratochvilovae (syn. Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae) strain NRRL Y-67016 (also deposited as UCDFST 05-632), Rhodotorula paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium paludigenum) strain NRRL Y-67012 (also deposited asUCDFST 09-163), Rhodotorula paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium paludigenum) strain UCDFST 81-492, Rhodotorula paludigena (syn.Rhodosporidium paludigenum) strain UCDFST 82-646.2, Rhodotorula a GG. Paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium aff. Paludigenum strain NRRL Y-67009 (also deposited as UCDFST 81-84), and Rhodotorula dairenensis strain NRRL Y-67011 (also deposited as UCDFST 68-257). In some embodiments, the population of basidiomycetous yeast cells comprises one or more strains selected from the group consisting of: a) Rhodotorula babjeva (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae) strain UCDFST 68-916.1, b) Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae) strain UCDFST 67-458, c) Rhodotorula babjevae (syn. Rhodosporidium babjevae) strain UCDFST 05-736, d) Rhodotorula diobovata (syn. Rhodosporidium diobovatum) strain UCDFST 04-830, e) Rhodotorula paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium paludigenum) strain UCDFST 81-492, and f) Rhodotorula paludigena (syn. Rhodosporidium paludigenum) strain UCDFST 82-646.2.

[0169] In some embodiments, the biosurfactant increases crop yields by increasing the rate at which the crop plant uptakes nutrients. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the biosurfactant solubilizes nutrients in the soil and transports them to the plant rhizosphere. The solubilized nutrients are then more readily available to the plant roots and rhizo sphere.

[0170] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains which exude a biosurfactant produced by the methods described herein can be processed according to the methods disclosed herein, blended or mixed with an inorganic mineral to create a high mineral content admixture. The resultant blended biosurfactant- exuding-yeast-inorganic admixture can feed microbes with organic and inorganic nutrients to synergistically enhance nutrient uptake directly and indirectly (from microbes) into the plant rootstock. In some embodiments, the inorganic mineral can be selected from: basalt, granite, glauconite (greensand), and biotite. In some embodiments, the inorganic mineral can be basalt. In some embodiments, methods of increasing crop yields relative to nitrate fertilizers alone can comprise the steps of contacting the crop with an aforementioned admixture comprising basalt. In some embodiments, the yeast-inorganic admixtures described herein can be combined with a carbon source. In some embodiments, the carbon source can include or exclude: ground com meal, ash, charcoal, wood chips, mulch, and waste carbon. In some embodiments, the carbon source can be the screened particles from the enzymatic digested fresh food waste components described herein. In some embodiments, the screened particles from the processed described herein can be the screened particles obtained from the course screen and/or fine screen filters.

Enhanced Binding of Anti-fungal Yeast to Plants

[0171] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising one or plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components by the methods described herein increase adhesion of yeast to the surfaces of plants. In some embodiments, the aforementioned compositions comprising yeast with a yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components which include fats can exhibit a high oil content from the processed fats. The oils impart a tackiness to a liquid form of the compositions comprising yeast with a yeast growth culture medium. The oils in the compositions comprising one or plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture medium can form a complex between the one or plurality of yeast strains and the plant surface to enhance adhesion of the yeast to the plant or a plant component. In some embodiments, the one or plurality of yeast strains can be further increased in fat content by the addition of separated centrifuged oils from the processing of a portion or all of another fresh food waste component. The plant component can be selected from: roots, leaves, stems, fruits, pollen, bark, or combinations thereof.

[0172] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising one or plurality of yeast strains with a yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components by the methods described herein can be adhered to a plant by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) presenting a hydrolysate made by the methods described herein where one or plurality of fresh food waste components comprises a fat to form a processed fat comprising hydrolysate; (ii) blending the processed fat-comprising hydrolysate with one or plurality of yeast strains to produce a blended composition comprising one or plurality of yeast strains in a yeast growth culture medium; and

(iii) contacting the blended composition comprising one or plurality of yeast strains in a yeast growth culture medium with a plant or plant component.

Use of Yeasts or Compositions Comprising Yeasts and Yeast Growth Culture Media as Animal Provender

[0173] The separated yeasts or yeast with yeast growth culture medium made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components made by the methods described herein of this disclosure can be used as a high-conversion rate animal provender. Animals (pigs and/or chickens that are usually fed a diet of com & soy meal) can be fed the liquid or dried forms of the compositions of this disclosure to gain weight with increased food use efficiency ( i.e ., an increased conversion rate of food into animal weight). In some embodiments, the animals can include or exclude pigs, avians, rabbits, horses, insects, worms, and other non-ruminants. In some embodiments, avians can include or exclude chicken, turkey, quail, ostrich, and emu. In some embodiments, insects can include or exclude crickets ( e.g ., acheta domesticus ), and black soldier fly (e.g., hermetia illucens). In some embodiments, worms can include or exclude earthworm (e.g., Oligochaeta), silk worm, moth worm, and mealworms (e.g., Tenebrio molitor).

[0174] In some embodiments, any of the animal provenders described herein can be mixed, blended, diluted, dissolved, ground, or pulverized with any other animal provender described herein. In some embodiments, antioxidant and/or anticaking agents can be added to any of the animal provenders described herein.

[0175] In some embodiments of this disclosure it has been found that the animal feed composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains in a yeast growth culture medium results in a higher mass conversion rate of feed to animal weight compared to a standard feed product, with an observed increase in animal weight when used as a feed relative to control. The inventors have further surprisingly discovered that recycling one or a plurality of fresh food waste components processed with the methods described herein into an animal feed composition when administered to animals results in healthier animals (e.g., exhibiting reduced diarrhea, and/or lower glucose levels), and faster growing, compared to conventional animal diets.

Anti-caking Agents Added to Yeast Animal Provender

[0176] In some embodiments, anti-caking agents can be added to dried forms of compositions comprising yeast grown in, then separated from, a yeast growth culture medium made from one or a plurality of food waste components made the processes described herein. Anti-caking agents are additives to powdered or granulated materials to prevent the formation of lumps. The anti-caking agents can include or exclude: tricalcium phosphate, powdered cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium ferrocyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, calcium ferrocyanide, bone phosphate (i.e. Calcium phosphate), sodium silicate, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, talcum powder, sodium aluminosilicate, potassium aluminum silicate, calcium aluminosilicate, bentonite, aluminum silicate, stearic acid, and polydimethylsiloxane.

[0177] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the one or plurality of fresh food waste components can be a carbohydrate fresh food waste component. The carbohydrate recyclable stream can include or exclude bakery recyclables. The bakery recyclables can include or exclude cooked products, expired ingredients, or expired dough. The bakery recyclable cooked products can include or exclude: cakes, tarts, donuts, cereals, pastas, breads, pastries, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like. Expired ingredients can include or exclude: flour, sugar, icing, yeast, com meal, and burnt or broken products. In some embodiments, compositions comprising yeast or a yesst growth culture medium made from carbohydrate fresh food waste components can comprise a high levels of carbohydrates.

Dried forms of the compositions comprising yeast or yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components by the methods described herein exhibit, for example a high sugar content and/or enhanced pelletization properties. The enhanced pelletization properties can be useful for manufacturing a desired form of animal provender. The appropriate form of an animal provender can include or exclude: pellets, flakes, pastes, cereals, and powders. In some embodiments, compositions comprising yeast and a carbohydrate-comprising yeast growth culture medium can be dried, and blended with other dried forms of carbohydrate fresh food waste components as described herein to enhance pelletization of the blended admixture. In some embodiments, compositions comprising yeast or yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components by the methods described herein can be mixed, blended, compounded, pulverized, ground, or dissolved with one or a plurality of carbohydrate fresh food waste components which has not been processed by the enzymatic digestion methods described herein.

Animal Provender Characteristics

[0178] In some embodiments, the yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein comprise energetic content for animal provender. The dry matter of the dried yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein can range from 16 to 99 wt%, preferably from 90 to 96 wt.%. The crude protein of the dried yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein can range from 18 to 80 wt%, preferably from 35 to 55 wt%. The gross energy of the dried yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein can range from 5000 to 8000 kcal/kg. The ash percentage of the dried yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein can range from 3 to 20 wt%. The acid hydrolyzed ether extract of the dried yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein can range from 1 to 15 wt%. The nitrogen free extract of the dried yeasts or compositions made from the yeast growth culture media described herein can range from 5 to 60 wt.%.

[0179] In some embodiments, the yeast strains are separated after growth in the yeast growth culture media. In some embodiments, the separated yeast strains are dried, dewatered, or used as a slurry to be used as an animal provender form. In some embodiments, the dried or dewatered separated yeast strains are mixed with breadcrumbs for use as a dried form of animal provender. In some embodiments, the yeast growth culture media comprising yeast strains are directly dried, dewatered, or used as a slurry as an animal provender form. In some embodiments, the dried or dewatered yeast growth culture media comprising yeast strains are mixed with breadcrumbs for use as a dried form of animal provender.

[0180] In some embodiments, additional nutrients can be added to the hydrolysate to increase weight gain of the animals for use of the agricultural hydrolysate as animal provender to customize the carbohydrate and sugar balance in the animal provender. [0181] In some embodiments, additional carbohydrates may be added to the hydrolysate. Carbohydrates may be supplied, for example, by adding bakery goods, or hydrolyzed bakery goods. In some embodiments, bread-crumbs, soymeal, distiller’s grains, and/or almond hulls may be added to the hydrolysate for use as feed supplements. Distiller’s grains can include or exclude: barley, corn, rice, and hops. In some embodiments, the hydrolysate can be in a dewatered (essentially dry) or liquid form when combined with the additional carbohydrate source. In some embodiments, a supplement comprising from 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65%, or any range of carbohydrate percentages between any two of the recited percentages, may be added to the compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein. In some embodiments, the carbohydrate supplemented composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein can be dewatered and pelleted. In some embodiments, particulates from the biological recyclables, for example, particulates obtained by filtering the hydrolysate or from the tricanter centrifuge, may be added to the hydrolysate. In some embodiments the particulate matter may be high in protein.

[0182] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein fed to weaning pigs may be supplemented with particulates high in protein, while the hydrolysate fed to growing-finishing pigs may be supplemented with carbohydrate. In some embodiments, the composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein fed to either weanling pigs or growing-finishing pigs may be supplemented with fats, for example saturated and/or unsaturated fats.

Supplementing the composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein with either carbohydrates, fats or proteins includes any process that increases the percentage of carbohydrates or proteins in the hydrolysate by more than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,

35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40%, or by any range of percentages between any two of the recited percentages.

[0183] In some embodiments, the compositions comprising yeast and yeast growth culture media described herein comprise nutrients. The nutrients can include or exclude amino acids (indispensable and dispensable amino acids), macro minerals, microminerals, carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. The amino acids can include or exclude arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, and tryptophan. In some embodiments, the range of arginine in the aforementioned compositions can be from 0.5 to 5 wt%, preferably 1.0 to 2.5 wt%; the range of histidine can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 wt%; the range of isoleucine can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 2.0 wt%; the range of leucine can be from 0.5 to 10 wt%, preferably 1.3 to 3.5 wt%; the range of lysine can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.6 to 2.0 wt%; the range of methionine can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.4 to 2.0 wt%; the range of threonine can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.7 to 2.5 wt%; the range of phenylalanine can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 wt%; the range of tryptophan can be from 0.03 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 3.0 wt%; the range of valine can be from 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.7 to 2.5 wt%; the range of alanine can range from 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.7 to 1.8 wt%; the range of aspartic acid can be from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 wt%; the range of cysteine can be from 0.03 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 wt%; the range of glutamic acid can be from 0.2 to 10 wt%, preferably 2.5 to 4.0 wt%; the range of glycine can be from 0.2 to 10 wt%, preferably 1.0 to 2.0 wt%; the range of proline can be from 0.01 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.03 to 1.5 wt%; the range of serine can be from 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 1.0 wt%; and/or the range of tryptophan can be from 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.4 to 1.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the macro minerals can include or exclude: Ca, P, K, Mg, and Na. The range of Ca in the compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein can be from 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably 0.3 to 5.5 wt%; the range of P can range from 0.05 to 15 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 2.5 wt%; the range of K can range from 0.2 to 15 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 wt%; the range of Mg can range from 0.01 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.08 to 0.2 wt%; and/or the range of Na can range from 0.05 to 5 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 0.8 wt%. In some embodiments, the microminerals can include or exclude Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn. In some embodiments, the range of Cu in the compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein can be from 0.1 to 100 ppm, preferably from 2 to 11 ppm; the range of Fe can be from 10 to 1000 ppm, preferably from 90 to 225 ppm; the range of Zn can be from 10 to 1000 ppm, preferably from 15 to 90 ppm; and/or the range of Mn can be from 0.1 to 200 ppm, preferably from 5 to 25 ppm. In some embodiments the carbohydrates can include or exclude: fructose, glucose, sucrose, stachyose, starch, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. In some embodiments, the range of fructose can be from 0.5 to 20 wt%, preferably from 2 to 8 wt%; the range of glucose can be from 0.5 to 20 wt%, preferably from 2 to 11 wt%; the range of sucrose can be from 0.01 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.02 to 0.08 wt%; the range of stachyose can be from 0 to 2 wt%, preferably from 0.01 to 0.12 wt%; the range of starch can be from 0.01 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.3 to 6 wt%; the range of acid detergent fiber can be from 0.01 to 40 wt%, preferably from 0.8 to 23 wt%; the range of neutral detergent fiber can be from 0.5 to 45 wt%, preferably from 2 to 32 wt%; the range of acid detergent lignin can be from 0 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.4 to 8 wt%; the range of hemicellulose can be from 0 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0 to 12 wt%; and/or the range of cellulose can be from 0.01 to 25 wt%, preferably from 0.6 to 14 wt%. In some embodiments, the saturated fatty acids of the compositions comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein can include or exclude myristic (14:0), 05:0, palmitic (16:0), margaric (17:0), stearic (18:0), arachidic (20:0), behenoic (22:0), and lignoceric (24:0). In some embodiments, the range of myristic acid can be from 1.0 to 15 wt%, preferably from 2 to 4 wt%; the range of 05:0 can be from 0.1 to 2 wt%, preferably from 0.2 to 0.5 wt%; the range of palmitic acid can be from 1.0 to 45 wt%, preferably from 20 to 30 wt%; the range of margaric acid can be from 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably from 0.5 to 2 wt%; the range of stearic acid can be from 1.0 to 30 wt%, preferably from 9 to 15 wt%; the range of arachidic acid can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 0.5 wt%; the range of behenoic acid can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.25 wt%; and/or the range of lignoiceric acid can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.02 to 0.2 wt%. In some embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acids can include or exclude myristoleic (9c-14:l), palmitoleic (9c-16:l), elaidic acid (9t- 18:1), oleic acid (9c-18:l), vaccenic acid (1 lc-18: 1), linoelaidic acid (18:2t), linoleic acid (18:2n6), linolenic acid (18:3n3), stearidonic (18:4n3), gonodic acid (20:ln9), c20:2, homo-a- linolenic (20:3n3), arachidonic (20:4n6), 3n-archidonic (20:4n3), EPA (22:ln9), erucic (22:ln9), clupanodonic (22:5n3), DHA (22:6n3), and nervonic (24:ln9). In some embodiments, the range of myristoleic can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.3 to 0.8% wt.%; the range of palmitoleic can be from 0.5 to 15 wt%, preferably from 2 to 4 wt.%; the range of elaidic can be from 0.5 to 15 wt%, preferably from 2 to 5 wt.%; the range of oleic can be from 33 to 43 wt.%; the range of vaccenic can be from 2 to 3 wt.%; the range of linoelaidic can be from 0 to 1.5 wt%, preferably from 0.01 to 0.03 wt.%; the range of linoleic can be from 0.5 to 45 wt%, preferably from 10 to 25 wt.%; the range of linolenic can be from 0.51 to 15 wt%, preferably from 1 to 2.5 wt.%; the range of gonodic can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.03 to 0.5 wt.%; the range of c20:2 can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 0.2 wt.%; the range of homo-a-linolenic can be from 0 to 1.5 wt%, preferably from 0.02 to 0.03 wt.%; the range of arachidonic can be from 0.05 to 1.5 wt%, preferably from 0.15 to 0.3 wt.%; the range of EPA can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.25 wt.%; the range of erucic can be from 0 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.2 to 0.15 wt.%; the range of clupanodonic can be from 0 to 1 wt%, preferably from 0.2 to 0.08 wt.%; the range of DHA can be from 0 to 1.5 wt%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.15 wt.%; and/or the range of nervonic can be from 0 to 1 wt%, preferably from 0.01 to 0.05 wt.%. The range of any of the aforementioned nutrients can be a percentage between any two recited percentages.

EXAMPLES

[0184] Example 1. Procedure to make yeast growth culture media

[0185] The following experiment demonstrates that yeast growth culture media compositions can be made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components.

[0186] The one or plurality of fresh food waste components were obtained from supermarkets. The one or plurality of fresh food waste components comprised produce, meat, fish, and bakery goods from the supermarkets, and was collected by refrigerated trucks within 2 days of being pulled off of the shelf at the supermarket. The bakery fresh food waste component was isolated from the other fresh food fresh food waste components and not included in the fresh food waste components used to make the composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein for use as fertilizer, plant growth enhancer, or soil amendment. The collected fresh food waste components were kept fresh by storage in specialized, insulated containers that were designed to keep the collected food fresh while awaiting pickup. Collected supermarket fresh food was processed within 24 hrs. of arrival at the production facility.

[0187] The collected fresh food waste components was weighed and recorded separately as pounds of meat or produce. After the material was weighed, it was emptied into a central hopper and ground into a fresh food recyclables particle slurry using a Rotary Knife Grinder with a pump head.

[0188] The grinder pumped the fresh food recyclables particle slurry into a jacketed digestion vessel, where it was continuously mixed. The enzymatic digestion incubation process was carried out in this vessel for a total of 3 hours. Enzymes were introduced into the slurry, and the material was continuously heated, mixed, and further ground to maximize the efficiency of the enzymes acting on the material.

[0189] More specifically, a first enzyme combination comprising endocellulase, exocellulase and lipase was added to the fresh food recyclables slurry with constant mixing, and the temperature was increased to 100 °F, for 30 minutes. An in-line high shear grinder in a recirculating line was then turned on. The high shear grinder was a high shear mixer with a disintegrating head (high RPM shearing action). A second enzyme combination comprising pectinase, protease, and a-amylase was then added, with the protease added last, and the temperature increased to 130 °F for 1.5 hours. After incubating, the incubated hydrolysate was heated to between 160-170 °F for about 30 minutes to pasteurize the hydrolysate.

[0190] The pasteurized material was then separated using mesh screens. The hydrolysate produced by incubating was first separated using a vibrating 30 mesh screen with an opening of 590 pm. The hydrolysate passing through the first screen was further separated by filtering through a 200 mesh screen with an opening size of 74 pm.

[0191] The separated liquid hydrolysate was then introduced into a tricanter centrifuge and separated into particles, fats, and an aqueous phase. The isolated aqueous phase (comprising from about 0.1 to 2.0 weight percent fats) was then emulsified/homogenized using an ultra-high shear grinder which may be a high shear multi stage mixer, to form an emulsified hydrolysate. The emulsified hydrolysate was pumped to the stabilization tank for final processing which included pH measurement and adjustment to match about the same pH as the optimal pH for the growing the selected yeast strains. The isolated fats were separated and pumped into a separate storage tank for further fat processing. The isolated particles were dried at room temperature.

[0192] No stabilizer was added to the pasteurized aqueous hydrolysate or emulsified hydrolysate to ensure proper conditions for yeast cultivation.

[0193] The hydrolysate was then laboratory tested, to ensure that the contents are free of pathogens (including E. coll and salmonella ), heavy metals and other unsuitable materials for use as a fertilizer, plant growth enhancer, or soil amendment. [0194] Example 2. High-conversion chicken-feed using dried compositions comprising yeast made from yeast growth culture media described herein

[0195] The composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein produced by the methods described can be used for hatchling chicken feed to demonstrate the enhanced conversion rate of the composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein relative to a control diet comprising soy and commeal.

[0196] Ingredients to provide protein for chicken is the most expensive item when formulating feed. This expense is an issue for all poultry producers. In commercial feed, the main components of a broiler’s diet are com and soy. Of the two ingredients, soy provides the necessary proteins required for growth while com is the important energy source. However, there are limiting amino acids that must be supplemented in the feed when using soy.

Limiting amino acids, also known as essential amino acids, must be added because synthesis of the amino acids does not occur at a rate (or at all) that is adequate to support animals’ life processes. The main limiting amino acids for broilers from com/soy diets are lysine, methionine, and cysteine. To obtain these amino acids for conventional animal feed, it is necessary to utilize alternative sources of ingredients. The inventors have discovered that selected yeasts can modulate the amino acid profile of the yeast growth culture medium so as to increase the relative amounts of amino acids required for animal provender. The use of the selected yeast strains which increase the required amino acids for animal provender obviates the need for additional supplementation of exogenous amino acid sources for producing a high nutrient animal provender with all of the amino acids sufficient for animal growth.

[0197] The control diet will meet or exceed the Cobb recommendations for chicken hatchlings. The control diet will also be mixed with the composition comprising yeast with yeast growth culture media described herein (“H2H”) and bread at various weight ratios to create a range of doses of yeast compositions.

[0198] Three cohorts comprising hatchling chicks (broiler) per each cohort will be fed a diet of varying relative yeast amounts, or strict control feed for their first 14 days. The animals will be allowed to eat ad libitum. The chicks will be divided into six chicks per cage. One chick from each cage will be sampled on selected days to determine the effects of the feed diets on hatchling growth and feed conversion uptake. The results are expected to confirm that the cohorts fed with the yeast compositions will exhibit the highest weight-per- bird (“weights of treatment”). Also, the feed conversion ratio will be expected to indicate that the cohort fed with the yeast diet to yield more output when fed the same amount of food than the cohort with a Control diet. The digestibility of the feed will be measured using known methods in the art (F. Short, et al, Animal Feed Science and Technology, 1996, 59: 215-221). The digestibility of the yeast compositions will be higher than the Control feed.

[0199] The results of the yeast compositions as animal provender will demonstrate a large animal weight difference compared to animals fed with a control diet.

[0200] Example 3. Use of Yeast Growth Culture Media as Fungicide - Dose/Response Assay

[0201] The hydrolysates used for the yeast growth culture media (“H2H”) exhibit some anti-fungal activity against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens, as demonstrated in the following dose response assay. The hydrolysate was used as described in Example 1

[0202] The following fungal pathogens were cultured in test tubes containing 10 mL of Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) to a concentration of approximately 2.0 x 10⁴ spores/mL: Phytophthora capsid , Verticillium dahlae , Botrytis cinereal, and Colletotrichum cereal.

[0203] Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was poured into Petri dishes in the following manner: 100% PDA, 1:10 H2H:PDA and 1:2 H2H:PDA. Approximately 2 liters of PDA will be used. The conditions for inoculating each fungal pathogen will consist of delivering 1.0 x 10⁴ spores/mL (low concentration) and 1.0 x 10⁵ spores/mL (high concentration) onto three replicates of each of the three PDA formulations. The following dilutions of each fungal pathogen will be spread over the entire surface of the agar in a Petri dish:

[0204] (a) Phytophthora capasici: low concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H

:PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA) and high concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H :PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA)

[0205] (b) Verticillium dahlae : low concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H

:PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA) and high concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H :PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA) [0206] (c) Botrytis cinerea: low concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H :PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA) and high concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H :PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA)

[0207] (d) Colleotrichum cereale: low concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H

:PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA) and high concentration (3x 100% PDA, 3x 1:10 H2H :PDA and 3x 1:2 H2H :PDA).

[0208] Petri dishes containing each of the above conditions were incubated at 30°C for 7 days. Proliferation was evaluated throughout the incubation period by calculating the area on agar covered by the fungal pathogen.

[0209] In a confirmatory experiment, the following fungal pathogens were generated in a manner consistent with the method described above: Botrytis cinerea spore concentration = 1.375 x 10^A4 spores/mL ; Colletotrichum cereale spore concentration = 5.5 x 10^A5 spores/mL ; Phytophthora capsid spore concentration = 7.5 x 10^A3 spores/mL ; Verticillium dahliae spore concentration = 1.25 x 10^A5 spores/mL.

[0210] Samples of the hydrolysate (“H2H”) were prepared: H2H diluted 1:10 with sterile water, and H2H diluted 1:2 with sterile water.

[0211] The results showed that the minimal dilution that provided inhibition of fungal spores was: B. cinerea : 1:10 dilution: no inhibition, 1:2 dilution: 50% inhibition; P. capsica : 1:10 dilution: 100% inhibition, 1:2 dilution: 50% inhibition; C. cereal 1:10 dilution: no inhibition, 1:2 dilution: 100% inhibition; V. dahliae 1:10 dilution: no inhibition, 1:2 dilution: 25% inhibition.

[0212] Next, the fungicidal properties of the hydrolysates were tested on plants. Two week old cucumber (c.v. SMR58) plants were used. About 3mL of H2H (1:15 dilution in sterile water) was sprayed onto the plants after development of first true leaf, followed by allowing the H2H solution to dry for two hours. Next, a powdery mildew spore suspension was prepared by washing spores from infected leaves with DI water and concentrations were quantified with hemocytometer. Spores=2.39xlO^A5 spores/mL. 2mL of inoculum were sprayed onto each plant. The plants were then stored in a growth room for disease development. The plants were evaluated after 7-10 days. The disease severity was significantly diminished for the H2H solution (hydrolysate) compared to the control treatment of water alone, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0213] The results showed that the hydrolysates exhibit anti-fungal properties.

[0214] Example 4: Use of Yeasts and Hydrolysates as an Anti-fungal Agent

[0215] The in-vitro biopesticidal potential of Galactomyces candidus ( Geotrichum candidum ) made with and without yeast growth culture medium made from fresh food waste components by the methods described herein was assessed against several fungal plant pathogens.

[0216] Materials: Petri dishes 100 x 15 mm, ventilated (27 count), Split Petri dishes 100 xl5 mm (27 count), Parafilm, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium, 25 mL per Petri dish, Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB), 50 mL per Erlenmeyer flask, Erlenmeyer flask, 250 mL (9 count for three uses each), Whatman N°4 filter paper, 0.45pm Millipore® membrane, Incubation chamber, Autoclave.

[0217] Microorganisms (Source): Galactomyces candidus (UCD FST 09-582), Macrophomina (TriCal Diagnostics - CA strawberry), Phytophthora cactorum (TriCal Diagnostics - CA strawberry), Verticillium dahlia (TriCal Diagnostics - CA strawberry), Fusarium oxysporum (TriCal Diagnostics - CA strawberry), Fusarium oxysporum (TriCal Diagnostics - CA lettuce), Botrytis cinerea (TriCal Diagnostics, CA), Sclerotinia minor (TriCal Diagnostics - CA lettuce), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (TriCal Diagnostics - CA lettuce).

[0218] Methods. The methods for analyzing the anti-fungal properties of the yeast strains against the fungi were adapted from Lopes et. al 2015, Microbiological Research, Volume 175, June 2015, Pages 93-99, herein incorporated by reference.

[0219] Antagonistic activity proximity evaluation for yeast: Galactomyces candidus was co-cultured on Petri dishes with each fungal pathogens, individually. Potato Dextrose Agar medium, pH 5.0, was used in the Petri dishes. Inoculation of actively growing (48-hour culture) fungal pathogen (7mm disk) cultures near the edge of the petri dish; another disk of the same size of Galactomyces candidus was inoculated on the opposite edge of the dish. The experiment was randomized with three replicates per plate. Cultures were incubated at 30°C for 7-26 days with 12-hour photoperiods per day. Growth was measured along x-axis and y- axis at days 7 and 14, and qualitatively assessed for pathogen persistence at day 26.. The following controls were included for comparison: Plate without Galactomyces candidus inoculation, Plate with Harvest-to-Harvest 1-0-0 (H2H), and Plate with H2H, centrifuged, sterile filtrate (H2HC).

[0220] Results of the above experiment, shown in FIG. 2, indicate that G. candidus provided physical or biochemical inhibition of pathogen growth for the Macrophomina, Fusarium, Phytophthera, and Verticillium strains tested.

[0221] Pathogen growth on Hydrolysate Media: Cultivation of fungal pathogens were performed on PDA media amended with 10% H2H or 10% H2HC to evaluate potential inhibition. Petri dishes were inoculated in the center and incubated for 7 days at 30°C, after which growth areas were recorded.

[0222] Results of the above experiment, shown in FIG. 3, indicate that the Fusarium, Sclerotinia minor, Phytopthera, and Verticillium strains tested are inhibited by the presence of H2H in the growth media. G. candius growth is promoted in the presence of H2H media alone.

[0223] Volatile antifungal compound evaluation^ Cultivation of fungal pathogens along with Galactomyces candidus were performed on split Petri dishes (to provide a physical air-gap barrier between the strains), restricting interaction of the fungal pathogens with airborne volatile compounds, exclusively. Culture disks of the fungal pathogen and Galactomyces candidus are placed on PDA, on separate regions of the split Petri dish. The plates are sealed to prevent outside air exchange and incubated for 14 days at 30°C.

[0224] Results of the above experiment, shown in FIG. 4, indicate that the Macrophomina, Fusarium, and Botrytis strains tested are inhibited by the presence of VOC’s emitted by G. candius grown in proximity, but isolated from physical contact.

[0225] Cell-free antifungal extract evaluation: In an Erlenmeyer flask (250 mL) containing 50 mL of potato dextrose broth (PDB), a loop of actively growing (42-hr) Galactomyces candidus was inoculated. Following incubation at 150 rpm for 72 hours in the absence of light, the cultures were filtered through a Whatman N° 4 filter paper and a 0.45 micron Millipore® membrane. The filtrate was used to prepare a 1:10 dilution with PDA and poured into Petri dishes; following solidification, a 7 mm disk of each fungal pathogen wass placed on the Petri dish and grown at 30 degrees Celcius for 7 days. Pathogenic growth is measured along a x-axis and y-axis.

[0226] For all of the strains tested, no inhibition was observed when tested with the cell free extracts as observed above, indicating presence of the cells themselves impart the antifungal activity observed in earlier experiments.

[0227] Thermal- stable cell-free antifungal extract compound evaluation: Replication of procedure in cell-free antifungal evaluation as described above was performed, with the added step of autoclaving of the extract prior to combination with PDA.

[0228] Similarly for all of the pathogen strains tested, no inhibition was observed when tested with the autoclaved cell-free extracts.

[0229] Antagonistic activity proximity evaluation for H2H with yeast: Replication of the antagonistic activity proximity assay described above can be replicated using PDA amended with 10% H2H to assess synergism.

[0230] Cell-wall extract antagonistic activity evaluation: Replication of the antagonistic activity proximity assay, referred to above, can be replicated using dried G. candidus cells, resuspended and inoculated onto actively growing pathogen samples.

[0231] Example 5: Cultivation of yeasts in H2H hydrolysate to produce animal feed with improved amino acid composition

[0232] This example demonstrates that the yeast/hydrolysate mixture comprises an amino acid content that is improved for use as animal feed.

[0233] First, the ability of of 46 yeasts to utilize the nutrients and tolerate any growth inhibitors in H2H was tested by growing yeasts on agar plates containing H2H at pH 3.5, 5 or 7.

[0234] Then, for the identified yeasts that grew well were grown in sterile filtered liquid H2H, and the resulting yeast cell biomass was analyzed to determine the amino acid composition. The amino acid composition of the original and of filtered H2H were also determined for comparison.

[0235] Materials: 46 potentially high protein yeasts were selected from the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection (http://phaffcollection.ucdavis.edu, as of September 7, 2019 confirmable by the Wayback Machine), see FIG. 20A - FIG. 20C. Of the 7,500 yeasts in the Phaff collection, yeasts were chosen for the following reasons: (1) Yeasts associated with foods and beverages were selected; (2) Yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’ s/brewer’s yeast), Cyberlindnera jadinii (torula yeast), and Kluyveromyces are used to boost the protein content of commercial animal feed; (3) Some species are particularly robust under stresses including Galactomyces and Wickerhamomyces and (4) Most selected species are potentially high protein, low lipid yeasts. A few high lipid yeasts of genus Rhodotorula were included to explore an alternate forms of the yeast growth culture media comprising yeasts.

[0236] The yeast growth culture media (“H2H”) was made by the method described in Example 1. Sterile deionized water, Sterile diluent (0.85% NaCl, 0.01% Tween 80), 95% Ethanol, Petri Plates , Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB, Cat. # BD 254920, BD Difco™, Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA USA), Agar (Cat. # BP1423-2, Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA USA), a pH meter, Sodium hydroxide, 0.22um sterile filters (Cat.# SCGPS02RE, EMD Millipore™ Steritop™, Hayward, CA, USA), Sterile 50 mL conical growth tubes (Bio- Reaction tubes, Cat.# 229475, Celltreat Scientific Products, Pepperell, MA 01463), Autoclaved blue cap centrifuge bottles (Cat.# 75007583, Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA USA), an autoclave , a benchtop freeze drier (FreeZone 4.5, Labconco, Kansas City, MO, USA), 15mL conical tubes (Cat.# 430791, Coming™, Coming, NY, USA), 50mL conical tubes (Cat.# 430829, Corning™, Coming, NY, USA), and an analytical balance (Cat.# S94790B, Fisher Scientific, Pine Brook, NJ, USA) were used as standard laboratory equipment.

[0237] Methods and Results: Yeast- Yeasts listed in FIG. 20A - FIG. 20C were revived from cryopreserved stocks by streaking onto potato dextrose agar plates and incubating 3-5 days at room temperature. Yeast Growth Culture Media preparation - One 1- liter bottle of the hydrolysate, obtained as a frozen sample, was thawed in at 4 degrees Celcius overnight. Agar plates: Several variations of H2H agar were prepared: H2H was used either at full strength or diluted to 50% with water in case H2H contains growth inhibitors. The pH was adjusted to 3.5, 5, or 7.

[0238] Agar plates were prepared by combining water, H2H (full strength or 50% diluted; pH 3.5, 5 or 7) and 2% granulated agar in Erlenmeyer flasks with a magnetic stir bar. Agar was autoclaved, stirred gently, and poured into Petri plates. Agar plates used as a positive control for growth were standard lab media Potato Dextrose Agar. Phase 2, Liquid H2H: Two aliquots of 300 mL H2H hydrolysate were transerred into 500mL beakers. The original pH was recorded. The pH of one aliquot was adjusted to 5.0 and the other to 7.0 using 1 N NaOH. The H2H was centrifuged at 4,000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature. The supernatant was filtered using 0.22 micron Stericup filter. A sample of the retentate was frozen at -80 degrees Celcius for protein analysis.

[0239] Inoculation: Phase 1, Asar plates: Yeast inocula described above were pipeted into a sterile, flat bottom 96-well plate. A flame-sterilized 48-pin replicator was used to transfer a small drop of the yeast inocula onto the surface of two sets of agar plates. One set was incubated at room temperature (22 degrees Celcius), the other in an incubator at 30 degrees Celcius. Photos of the plates were taken at 24 hr and 48 hr; examples of photos taken at 24 hours are shown in FIG 5 A and FIG. 5B. Growth was scored visually: 0 = no growth,

25 = low growth, 50 = medium growth, 75= high growth. A list of the yeast growth results is shown in FIG. 6 A and FIG. 6B.

[0240] Phase 2, Fiquid H2H: 50 mL BR tubes were labeled then pre-weighed with the caps on. 9.5 mL of sterile filtered H2H was aseptically pipetted into eight 50 mL BR tubes. One loopful of yeast (a few uF) from a 3-5 day old plate was suspended in 5 mL sterile diluent and mixed by vortexing. 500uF of cell suspension was added to 9.5mF filter sterilized CSS hydrolysate of pH 5 or pH 7 in BR tubes. The tubes contained: (1) Uninoculated control (no yeast, PBS only) (This sample was freeze-dried after incubating; not centrifuged), (2) Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 (GRAS, high protein yeast control), (3) Rhodotorula aff. paludigena UCDFST 81-84 (glycolipid-secreting yeast, oleaginous, strong growth at day 2), (3) Wickerhamomyces anomalus UCDFST 09-389 (food-associated yeast species; strong growth), (4) Kluyveromyces marxianus UCDFST 05-822 (GRAS species; mediocre growth), (5) Meyerozyma caribbica UCDFST 12-176 (strong growth), (6) Galactomyces candidus UCDFST 09-582 (strong growth but the species doesn't pellet well), and (7) Pichia kudriavzevii UCDFST 11-602 (strong growth, food-associated).

[0241] The tubes were incubated at 30 degrees Celcius, shaking 200 rpm for two days. Samples were centrifuged in the BR tubes at 4,000 rpm for lOmin. Supernatant was stored at -80 degrees Celcius, and cells were washed with deionized water, centrifuged, and decanted. Cell pellets were frozen at -80 degrees Celcius. Prior to analysis, the samples of retentate, spent media, and washed cells were freeze dried. The washed cell mass was weighed to calculate yeast cell yield per mL of H2H (see FIG. 12).

[0242] Amino acid analysis. Samples of retentate, cells and H2H were submitted to the UC Davis Proteomics Core Facility for amino acid analysis, and analyzed using all three analyses to quantify all 20 amino acids.

[0243] Yeast & Media Preparation for Amino Acid Analysis: Yeasts were revived from -80 degrees Celcius on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates with 2% agar and incubated at room temperature. Less than 7 days culture was used as inoculum. H2H was adjusted to pH 7 and pH 5 using NaOH, and filter sterilize using 0.22 micron Stericup. A sample of retentate was removed from the filter and frozen. Also, samples of the liquid layers were stored at -80 degrees Celcius under further use. 9.5 mL of the sterile filtered H2H was aseptically transferred to 50 mL BR tubes.

[0244] Inoculation: One loopful of yeast cells was suspended in sterile diluent and vortexed to homogenize. 500uL of the cell suspension was inoculated to the 50 mL BR tube. Tubes were incubated at 30 degrees Celcius, 200 rpm for two days.

[0245] Harvesting: Tubes were harvested by centrifugation at 4,000 rpm for 10 min and washed twice with sterile deionized water to remove excess spent media as much as possible. Spent media was decanted into a 15mL conical tube. Samples of spent media and cells were frozen at -80 degrees C. All samples including retentate on filter and remaining solids were freeze dried. Dry cells were weighed, and samples were sent to Proteomics Core Facility for analysis.

[0246] Results: Centrifugation at 4,000 rpm for lOmin at room temperature separated CSS hydrolysate into three distinct layers for compositions at both pHs (as shown in FIG. 7). The first and the third layers were solid and the middle layer was liquid. For this study the middle layer was used as growth media. It was also noticed that the liquid layer of the composition at pH 7 was darker than the composition at pH 5 and the total volume harvested was less than the composition at pH 5. The original pH for CSS hydrolysate was 4.26 - 4.28. The total volume of the middle layer supernatant varied. For the composition at pH 7, about 100 ml or about 1/3 from the total volume was harvested. For the composition at pH 5, about 150 ml or about 1/2 from the total volume was harvested.

[0247] Filter sterilization of the hydrolysates required two filters to harvest about 150 ruL of that pH 5, but four filters to harvest about 100 ruL of pH 7. The composition at pH 5 was easier to filter than the composition at pH 7, because the composition at pH 7 has more precipitate on the filter paper (FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B). For the composition at pH 5, the hydrolysate middle layer had more oil layer on top compared to the composition at pH 7 (FIG. 9). Adjustment to pH 5 assists solubilization/separation of more solids.

[0248] After incubation, all yeasts were centrifuged and separated easily from spent media except for G. candidus UCDFST 09-582 which could not separate well. For this strain, not all spent media could be decanted, rather, some spent media was left to prevent cells from being decanted and water added to facilitate better separation.

[0249] Yeast growth and cell mass: All yeast strains tested grew in all media at pH 5 or pH 7, although the growth varied. Visually, G. candidus strain UCDFST 09-582 had the best growth; it also made the media viscous, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0250] All yeasts strains grew better in pH 7 except for 09-582 that had much higher growth in pH 5 (FIG. 11). Dry mass ranged from 0.81 to 65.93 g/L at pH 5, and 5.95 to 20.64 g/L at pH 7, with strain UCDFST 81-84 being the lowest and UCDFST 09-582 being the highest cell mass yielding strains.

[0251] Total protein: For amino acid and protein composition analysis, 27 samples were analyzed using conventional amino analysis methods (UC Davis Proteomics Core Facility). FIG. 12 shows the Sample ID and information for the various samples analyzed. [0252] For the samples marked those samples could not be processed for amino acid analysis due to high lipid content in the sample. The equipment did not allow high lipid contamination. For samples marked

the dry cell mass was too low to analyze.

[0253] From the three layers of CSS hydrolysate separated by centrifugation, the top layer of both pHs; the bottom layer of the pH 7; retentate of the filter paper from pH 5; and the original hydrolysate without pH adjustment had high lipid content, thus these samples were excluded from amino acid analysis. Even after centrifugation and filter sterilization, the presence of high lipid was also obvious.

[0254] A main objective of this study was to determine whether any yeasts could synthesize amino acids/protein to a higher concentration than in the original H2H hydrolysate; furthermore, whether any yeasts can alter the amino acid composition (I.e. relative concentrations of amino acids, particularly essential amino acids). Unfortunately, the original CSS hydrolysate could not be analyzed for amino acid composition due to high lipid content. In this case, total protein was only calculated from samples that were analyzed (as shown in FIG. 13). Total protein that are present in the filtrate and retentate of pH 7 sample was >35%, while the total protein in the filtrate and bottom layer of pH 5 was >40%. Total protein from filtrates of both pHs was similar 17.09 and 18.03%.

[0255] Five out of seven yeast strains tested produced more than 35% total protein but not necessarily at both pHs. Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 and K. marxianus UCDFST 05-822 could produce over 35% total protein in their cell mass (FIG.

14). G. candidus UCDFST 09-582 produced about 22 to 25% protein but also produces more cell mass, thus more protein mass (as shown in FIG. 14). FIG. 15 shows that Galactomyces candidus UCDFST 09-582 produced the highest protein mass of 14.3 g/L and 5.13 g/L in compositions at pH 5 (FIG. 15 A) and 7 (FIG. 15B), respectively. The second highest producer was S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 by 5.58 and 3.16 g/L in compositions at pH 5 and 7, respectively.

[0256] Samples labeled 81-84 at pH 5 produced insufficient cell mass for analysis. Samples TL at pH 5 and 7, B pH , Retentate pH 5 and Original H2H could not be analyzed because of high lipid content. [0257] Analysis of the spent media from yeast that produce the highest and the lowest cell mass showed that both spent media still contain proteins that varied from 15 to 20%. The highest yeast cell mass producer, G. candidus UCDFST 09-582 had relatively high total protein in the spent media (19% - 20%, FIG. 16).

[0258] Amino acid composition and proportion: Glx and Asx were the most abundant amino acids in all samples. Glx consists of glutamine/glutamic acid and Asx consists of asparagine/aspartic acid. The two amino acids were combined together in this case, the analysis could not differentiate two closely related amino acids. Glutamine/glutamic acid content in compositions at pH 7 was greater than or equal to than compositions at pH 5, except for yeast strain 12-176, as shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B.

[0259] Not all samples were analyzable due to high lipids content. Those samples which were analyzeable are presented in FIG. 18.

[0260] The amino acid composition for various yeast strains of this disclosure is presented in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B. Asx consists of asparagine/aspartic acid and glx consists of glutamine/glutamic acid because sometimes it is not possible to differentiate these two closely related amino acids.

[0261] Conclusions: (1) The amino acid and protein content of the original H2H hydrolysates could not be determined in some samples due to their high lipids content, (2)

The H2H hydrolysate was centrifuged and the center liquid layer was filtered. Amino acid content was determined for the bottom layer (BL), and the retentate on the filter, and the filtrate. (3) As shown in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, the total amino acids as a percent of dry weight of yeasts grown in filtered H2H was higher than the amino acids in H2H bottom layer or filtrate. (4) Spent media (liquid separated from yeast cells after growth) still contains significant amounts of amino acids. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B show the amount per dry weight of freeze-dried material. The amounts of amino acids per mL of media were not calculated.

(5) Key amino acids important for animal nutrition including lysine, cysteine and methionine are higher as a percent of dry weight in many yeast strains than in the original hydrolysate.

(6) Growth at pH 5 vs. pH 7 made little detectable difference in protein yield or relative abundance of amino acids. (7) Yeasts that yielded particularly high total protein and percent lysine included: (a) S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448, (b) K. marxianus UCDFST 05-822, and (c) P. kudriavzevii UCDFST 11-602.

[0262] The yeast strains used in the examples described herein include some or all of the yeasts identified in FIG. 20A - FIG. 20C.

[0263] Example 6: Scaled-up Yeast Growth of Selected Yeast Species in Yeast

Growth Culture Media

[0264] Seven strains were selected for bench scale protein screening: (1) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (GRAS (generally recognized as food-safe), high protein, strong H2H growth), (2) Wickerhamomyces anomalus (food-associated, strong H2H growth), (3) Kluyveromyces marxianus (GRAS, strong H2H growth), (4) Meyerozyma caribbica (strong H2H growth), (5) Galactomyces candidus (strong H2H growth), (6) Pichia kudriavzevii (food-associated, strong H2H growth), and (7) Rhodotorula off. paludigena (glycolipid secreting, strong H2H growth). The yeast strains were grown in liquid hydrolysate (sterile filtered < 0.2 mm) at 30 degrees Celcius, 200 rpm for 48 hr. The spent media was centrifuged, and the washed cells were analyzed for AAs (amino acid profile) using the methods of Example 5.

[0265] The results showed that all selected strains grew well with a slight preference for pH 7, except for G. candidus, which grew better at pH 5. Furthermore, all strains tested produced 25-40% protein (dry basis). G. candidus grew best of any tested strain at pH 5.

The G. candidus yeast species produced 60+ g/L dry cell mass, 5-14 g/L protein mass, but lower lysine content. The comparable results are presented in FIG. 21 (which refers to the strain numbers of each yeast species tested, as described in the previous examples):

[0266] The amino acid profile was analyzed for each of the bulk- scaled yeast growth cultures, using the methods described in the previous examples. It was found that Glx and Asx were the most abundant AAs in all samples. Asx consists of asparagine/aspartic acid and glx consists of glutamine/glutamic acid because sometimes it is not possible to differentiate these two closely related amino acids. Key amino acids such as lysine, cysteine, and methionine are higher (dry wt.) than in the original hydrolysate (as shown in FIG. 17), suggesting that the use of the one or plurality of yeast strains can modulate the amino acid profile of the yeast growth culture media made from one or a plurality of fresh food waste components made by the methods described herein.

[0267] Second Screening Study Conclusions - Protein/Amino Acids

[0268] Bulk-scale yeast growth of selected yeast species on the yeast growth culture media confirmed the amino acid profiles from the smaller-scale screening study. In addition, the amino acid profile composition confirmed the potential use of the yeasts grown from the yeast growth culture media of this disclosure for animal provender applications. The spent media still contained significant levels of nitrogen, suggesting the potential for optimization of feedstock preparation and animal growth conditions.

[0269] Notable observations as to the yeast agents exuded from the selected yeast species were as follows: for Saccharomyces cerevisiae 09-448 (GRAS per 21 CFR §172.896 (dried yeast), 21 CFR §172.590 (yeast malt-sprout extract), 21 CFR §172.1983 (yeast extract), and 21 CFR §172.898 (glycan)), also referred to as “brewers yeast” - the lysine levels were 3.3-3.5% of AAs by mass, and this yeast strain demonstrated antagonistic and competitive inhibitory species against several plant pathogens; for Wickerhamomyces anamolus 09-389, lysine levels were 2.9-3.4% of AAs by mass; for Kluyveromyces marxianus 05-882, rennet produced with this is GRAS per 21 CFR §184.1685, and the lysine levels were 3.2-3.4% of AAs by mass; for Myerozyma caribbica 12-176, the lysine levels were 2.7-3.0% of AAs by mass; for Galactomyces ( Geotrichum ) candidum 09-582, vigorous growth was observed at pH 5 on H2H, the lysine levels were 1.8-2.0% of AAs by mass, and this yeast species demonstrated antagonistic species against plant pathogens such as Botrytis cineria for Pichia kudriavzevii 11-602, lysine levels were 2.9-3.0% of AAs by mass; and for Rhodotorulua babjevae 04-877, this yeast species produces a known biosurfactant, triacylglycerol, and is also a pigment producing strain.

[0270] The inventions described and claimed herein have many attributes and embodiments including, but not limited to, those set forth or described or referenced in this Detailed Disclosure. It is not intended to be all-inclusive and the inventions described and claimed herein are not limited to or by the features or embodiments identified in this Detailed Disclosure, which is included for purposes of illustration only and not restriction. A person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that many of the components and parameters may be varied or modified to a certain extent or substituted for known equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated that such modifications and equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

[0271] All patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, and other documents and materials referenced or mentioned herein are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and each such referenced document and material is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forth herein in its entirety. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this specification any and all materials and information from any such patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, electronically available information, and other referenced materials or documents. Reference to any applications, patents and publications in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that they constitute valid prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in any country in the world.

[0272] The specific methods and compositions described herein are representative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, in embodiments or examples of this, any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of’, and “consisting of’ may be replaced with either of the other two terms in the specification. Also, the terms “comprising”, “including”, containing”, etc. are to be read expansively and without limitation. The methods and processes illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differing orders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to the orders of steps indicated herein or in the claims. It is also that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples or embodiments or methods specifically disclosed herein. Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited by any statement made by any Examiner or any other official or employee of the Patent and Trademark Office unless such statement is specifically and without qualification or reservation expressly adopted in a responsive writing by Applicants. Furthermore, titles, headings, or the like are provided to enhance the reader’s comprehension of this document, and should not be read as limiting the scope of this. Any examples of aspects, embodiments or components of the invention referred to herein are to be considered non-limiting.

[0273] The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, it will be understood that although this has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0274] The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and sub generic groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the generic description of the invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

[0275] Other embodiments are within the following claims. In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

1. An anti-fungal composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast agents in a yeast growth culture medium, wherein the yeast growth culture medium is made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, and emulsifying said fresh food waste.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or plurality of yeast agents is substantially separated from said yeast growth culture medium.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the yeast agent is selected from a yeast strain or component of the yeast strain, a yeast-exuded fungicide, a yeast-exuded resistance inducer, or a yeast-exuded competitive growth inhibitor.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the fungicide is exuded by the one or more yeast strains.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the yeast exuded fungicide is selected from an organic acid, an enzyme, a branched alcohol, a cyclopeptide, or an aldehyde or ketone.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the organic acid is selected from: lactic acid, acetic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, polyporic acid, azelaic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p- coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, succinic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid), decanoic acid, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, coriolic acid, ricinoleic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, (S)-(-)-2- hydroxyisocapric acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, butanoic acid, linear propionic acid, branched propionic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, azelaic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5- carboxylic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, 4-methyl-7,ll- heptadecadienoic acid, (4-methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienal), and rhodotomlic acid.

7. The composition of claim 5, wherein the branched alcohol is selected from: Reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 2- phenylethanol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 3 -methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-methyl- 1 -propanol, and 2- ethyl-l-hexanol.

8. The composition of claim 5, wherein the cyclopeptide is selected from: cyclo(L-Pro- L-Pro), cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Met-L-Pro), cyclo(Phe- Pro), cyclo(Phe-OH-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-trans-4- OH-L-Pro), cyclo(L-His-L-Pro), cyclo(Leu-Leu), and cyclo-(L-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydiOxy-L-piOlyl- d-lcucyl-/f_<ms-4-hydroxy-L-piOlinc).

9. The composition of claim 5, wherein the aldehyde or ketone is selected from: diacetyl, 2,3-pentadione, 5-pentyl-2-furaldehyde, and 2-nonanone.

10. The composition of claim 5, wherein the enzyme is selected from: chitinase, beta- glucanase, xylanase, protease, peroxidase, and cellulase.

11. The composition of claim 3, wherein the component of the yeast strainis a a denatured yeast cell or yeast cell wall complex component selected from: complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and fatty acids.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the complex carbohydrates and proteins is selected from: beta-glucans, mannans, mannoproteins, mannanoligosacccharides (MOS), and chitin.

13. The composition of claim 3, wherein the fungicide is exogenously added to the composition.

14. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a plant fungal-resistance inducing agent.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the plant fungal-resistance developing agent is selected from: aluminum trichloride, aluminum tris O-ethyl phosphate, copper hydroxide, salicyclic acid, 5-chlorosalicylic acid, 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid, K2HP03, Na2HP03, methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid, laminarin, benzo(l,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester, chitosan, and beta- aminobutyric acid.

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the two or more enzymes are selected from a protease, a cellulase, a xylanase, a pectinase, and an amylase.

17. The composition of claim 1, wherein the two or more temperatures comprise a first temperature with a range of 70 degrees F to 120 degrees F, and a second temperature with a range of 120 degrees F to 140 degrees F.

18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the process of preparing the yeast growth culture medium further comprises separating particles through filtration, gravimetric separation, decanting, or centrifugation.

19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the yeast growth culture medium comprises lipids, fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates.

20. The composition of claim 19, wherein the lipids content of the yeast growth culture medium ranges from 0 to 20% by weight.

21. The composition of claim 19, wherein the fatty acids content ranges from 0 to 20% by weight.

22. The composition of claim 19, wherein the amino acids content range from 5% to 45% by weight.

23. The composition of claim 22, wherein the amino acids content comprises a profile of specific amino acids.

24. The composition of claim 23, wherein the amino acid profile is altered from the yeast growth culture medium by the one or plurality of yeast strains.

25. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains exudes one or a plurality of fungal cell wall degrading enzymes selected from: beta- 1,3- glucanase, chitinase, and peroxidase.

26. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH of said yeast growth culture medium is within 0.5 pH units of the optimal pH range for the culture for the one or plurality of yeast strains.

27. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fungus to which the anti-fungal composition is effective is selected from: Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum cereal, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phytophthora capsid, and Verticillium dahlia, Fusarium striatum, and Macrophomina phaseolina.

28. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains are selected from: Candida humilis, Cyberlindnera aff. lachancei, Debaryomyces hansenii, Kazachstania lodderae, Kazachstania spencerorum, Kluyveromyces lactic var. drosphilarum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Meyerozyma caribbica, Suhomyces aff. xylopsoci, Vishniacozyma camescens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Rhodotorula babjeviae, Zygoascus hellenicus, Rhodotorula aff. paludigena, Debaryomyces nepalensis, Debaryomyces prosopidis, Candida pelliculosa, Galactomyces cf. candidum, Galactomyces candidum, Debaryomyces hansenii, Debaryomyces fabryi, Cyberlindnera saturnus, Cyberlindnera jadinii, Candida guilliermondii, Candida boidinii, Candida aff. palmioleophila, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula glutinis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Kuraishia cidri, Hannaella aff. Kummingensis, and Galactomyces geotrichuum.

29. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains are selected from: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae.

30. The composition of claim 1, wherein when the composition is administered to a foliar surface, the composition demonstrates adhesive properties.

31. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises non-yeast solids at a concentration of less than 50 % by weight.

32. The composition of claim 31, wherein the composition further comprises non-yeast solids at a concentration of less than 5 % by weight.

33. The composition of claim 32, wherein the composition further comprises non-yeast solids at a concentration of less than 1% by weight.

34. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of one or more strains of yeast ranges from 1 x 10^A3 CFU (colony-forming units)/mL to 1 x 10^A9 CFU/mL.

35. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or a plurality of seeds.

36. The composition of claim 1, further comprising soil.

37. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a flowering or non-flowering plant.

38. A method of inhibiting, preventing, or reducing fungal growth on a plant or plant component, the method comprising the step of contacting a plant or soil where a plant will be grown with a composition made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, and emulsifying said fresh food waste.

39. A method of inhibiting, preventing, or reducing fungal growth on a plant or plant component, the method comprising the step of contacting a plant or soil where a plant will be grown with a composition of any of claims 1-37.

40. The method of any of claims 38 or 39, wherein the temperature of the plant is between 40 degrees F to 120 degrees F.

41. The method of any of claims 38 or 39, wherein the portion of the plant contacted is selected from one or more of the following plant parts: roots, rhizosphere, stems, flowers, buds, galls, leaves, tubers, seedlings, cuttings, bulbs, seeds, or fruit.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the one or more yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by outcompeting the fungus for nutrients.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the one or more yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by exuding a biosurfactant which kills or inhibits said fungal growth.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein the one or more yeast strains exude a fungicide.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the exuded fungicide is selected from an organic acid, an enzyme, a branched alcohol, a cyclopeptide, or an aldehyde or ketone.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the organic acid is selected from: lactic acid, acetic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, polyporic acid, azelaic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p- coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, succinic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid), decanoic acid, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, coriolic acid, ricinoleic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, (S)-(-)-2- hydroxyisocapric acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, , butanoic acid, linear propionic acid, branched propionic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, azelaic acid, (S)-(-)-2-hydroxyisocapric acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, 2-pyrrolidone-5- carboxylic acid, dl-P-phenyllactic acid, dl-P-hydroxyphcnyl lactic acid, 4-methyl-7,ll- heptadecadienoic acid, (4-methyl-7,ll-heptadecadienal), and rhodotomlic acid.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the branched alcohol is selected from: Reuterin (3- hydroxypropionaldehyde), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 2- phenylethanol, 2-methyl- 1 -butanol, 3 -methyl- 1 -butanol, 2-methyl- 1 -propanol, and 2- ethyl-l-hexanol.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the cyclopeptide is selected from: cyclo(L-Pro-L- Pro), cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Met-L-Pro), cyclo(Phe-Pro), cyclo(Phe-OH-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Phe-trans-4- OH-L-Pro), cyclo(L- His-L-Pro), cyclo(Leu-Leu), and cyclo-(L-lcucyl-/ran.s-4-hydroxy-L-piOlyl-d-lcucyl- /ran.s-4- hydrox y- L-pro line) .

49. The method of claim 45, wherein the aldehyde or ketone is selected from: diacetyl, 2,3-pentadione, 5-pentyl-2-furaldehyde, and 2-nonanone.

50. The method of claim 39, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by exuding a fungal cell wall degrading enzyme.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the cell wall degrading enzyme is selected from: a beta-glucanase, a protease, a xylanase, a cellulase, a chitinase, or a peroxidase.

52. The method of claim 39, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by antagonizing said fungal growth.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein antagonizing said fungal growth occurs by the yeast attacking the fungus hyphae.

54. The method of claim 39, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains inhibit, prevent, or reduce fungal growth by introducing host fungal resistance in the plant.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the yeast introduces fungal host resistance in the plant by contacting the plant with antifungal metabolites.

56. The composition of claim 11, where the yeast cell wall complex component is obtained by autoclaving, thermal autolysis, sonicating, bead-milling, or grinder milling a yeast strain, followed by centrifugation and recovery of cellular particles, optionally with repeated steps of washing with water at pH 5-7 or buffer (e.g. Tris- HC1) followed by centrifugation or filtration to increase the concentration of said yeast cell wall complex component.

57. The method of any of claims 38 or 39, wherein the plant component is fruit or vegetable growing or separated from said plant.

58. The method of any of claims 38 or 39, wherein the fungal growth is from a fungi selected from: Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum cereal, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phytophthora capsid, and Verticillium dahlia, Fusarium striatum, and Macrophomina phaseolina.

59. An animal feed composition comprising one or a plurality of yeast strains made from, or present with a yeast growth culture medium, wherein the yeast growth culture medium is made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, emulsifying, pasteurizing, and stabilizing said fresh food waste.

60. The composition of claim 59, wherein the composition is dried.

61. The composition of any of claims 59 or 60, wherein the one or a plurality of yeast strains are killed or rendered dormant

62. The composition of claim 59, wherein the amino acid content profile is modulated by said one or plurality of yeast strains.

63. The composition of claim 62, wherein the lysine, cysteine, or methionine levels are increased in the composition relative to a culture medium before yeast is introduced.

64. The composition of claim 59, wherein said one or a plurality of yeast strains are selected from: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Meyerozyma caribbica, Galactomyces candidus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Rhodotorula aff. Paludigena, and Rhodotorula babjevae.

65. The composition of claim 59, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains are substantially separated from the yeast growth culture medium from which the one or plurality of yeast strains are grown.

66. A method of increasing plant growth as an adjuvant relative to a chemical nitrogen fertilizer alone control by more than 5% by contacting the plant with a composition comprising one or plurality of yeast strains and a nutrient rich hydrolysate made from fresh food waste by a process of grinding, shearing, homogenizing, enzymatic digestion using two or more enzymes and at two or more different temperatures, emulsifying, pasteurizing, and stabilizing said fresh food waste, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains exudes a biosurfactant.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the one or plurality of yeast strains is Rhodotorulua babjevae and/or Rhodotorula aff. paludigena.

68. The method of claim 66, wherein the biosurfactants are polyol esters of fatty acids.

69. The method of claim 66, wherein micronutrients are presented to the plant rhizosphere by solubilization with said biosurfactant.

70. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fungus targeted by the anti-fungal composition is a pathogenic fungus.

71. The composition of claim 70, wherein the fungus is a phytopathogenic fungi.

72. The composition of claim 71, wherein the phytopathogenic fungi is mycotoxigenic.

73. The composition of claim 70, wherein the fungus is necrotrophic.

74. A process for making the anti-fungal composition of claim 1, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) providing one or a plurality of fresh food waste components;

(c) adding to said ground biological slurry one or more selected enzymes;

(e) pasteurizing the first incubated slurry to kill pathogens;

(f) separating the first incubated hydrolysate into a first incubated biological hydrolysate and first incubated biological particles using one or a plurality of size- based separation methods; (g) reducing the fat content of the pasteurized first incubated hydrolysate optionally by centrifugation to form a centrifuged biological hydrolysate and centrifuged oil;

(h) stabilizing the centrifuged biological hydrolysate to form a stabilized aqueous hydrolysate;

(i) emulsifying the stabilized aqueous hydrolysate or centrifuged biological hydrolysate to form an emulsified hydrolysate; optionally adding a dispersant to the emulsified hydrolysate;

(j) concentrating the emulsified hydrolysate to produce a concentrated liquid product; and

(k) blending the emulsified hydrolysate or concentrated liquid product with one or a plurality of yeast agents.

75. A method of inhibiting, preventing, or reducing fungal growth on a plant or plant component, the method comprising the step of contacting a plant or soil where a plant will be grown with a composition comprising Galactomyces candidus.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the fungal growth is from a fungi selected from: Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum cereal, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phytophthora capsid, and Verticillium dahlia, Fusarium striatum, and Macrophomina phaseolina.