Crop protection and productivity enhancement

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to compositions, methods, and systems for culturing feedstock crops. The culturing of feedstock crops includes the use of organophosphorous compounds, organosulfurous compounds, fatty acids, salts, acids, bases, hydrates, and / or solvates thereof, or a combination thereof.

Description

CROP PROTECTION AND PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 655,422, filed on June 3, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Renewable feedstock crops are in high demand for conversion into biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, etc.), downstream biobased coproducts (food, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, cement, plastics, materials, pharmaceuticals, etc.), and for use in water decontamination and filtration. Feedstock crops include dedicated energy crops, agricultural crop residues, forestry residues, algae, wood processing residues, sorted municipal waste, and wet waste.

[0003] Agricultural and landfill waste (including crop waste, grasses, forest, wood pellets, etc.) are feedstocks that can be fermented by organisms (e.g., yeast) in bioreactors or large fermentation facilities for conversion into biofuels (e.g., bioethanol) and biobased coproducts. Today, bioethanol is the #1 U.S. agricultural export, and 15% of gas at the pump is blended with bioethanol. The demand for renewable feedstocks is rising as biobased transportation fuels are considered the fastest way to reduce carbon emissions.

[0004] Algae is considered the most efficient feedstock for conversion into biofuels and carbon capture. Algae sequester 300 times more CO2 from the air than a tree and use the least land and water resources of any known plant or organism. Algae can be grown in bioreactors and in open or closed ponds indoors, outdoors, on marginal land, in coastal areas, in deserts, on rooftops, etc., and using any water source, including recycled, brackish, and salt water. Algae biomass is cultivated, harvested, dried, and various end-use products. The sugars are converted into biofuels and biobased coproducts. The lipids and proteins are converted into food, feed, fertilizer, nutraceuticals, etc.

[0005] Feedstock crop health can be measured by the annual improvement in productivity and quality of the biomass or other end-product. For algae, the annual productivity (g / m2 / day) measured in ash-free dry weight (AFDW) indicates the degree to which biomass loss is impacted by attack by pests, pond “crashes” (death of the algae), time to recovery, and loss of algae health. Biological constraints on algae production include attack by pests including predators / grazers (e.g., ciliates, amoeba, rotifers, other zooplankton, insect larvae, insects) that ingest the algae and pathogens / parasites (e.g., fungi, amoebae, aphelid, chytrid, bacteria, and viruses).

[0006] These same pests are also present in aquaculture, mariculture, hydroponics, vertical farming, and any propagation, cultivation and husbandry of plants, animals / seafood and other organisms for commercial, recreational, and scientific purposes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a graph of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast growth over 140 hours in the presence of SABS. The biomass of S. cerevisiae increased by approximately 32% compared to the control with no treatment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Renewable feedstock crops are in high demand for conversion into biofuels, downstream biobased coproducts, and for use in water decontamination and filtration. Feedstock crop health can be measured by the annual improvement in productivity and quality of the biomass or other end-product.

[0009] Examples of feedstock crops include plants and organisms such as algae, yeasts, bacteria, fungi, aquatic plants and organisms cultivated using aquaculture. For algae, the annual productivity indicates the degree to which biomass loss is impacted by predator and parasite attacks, death of the algae, time to recovery, and loss of algae health. Biological constraints on algae production include predators that ingest the algae and pathogens.

[0010] Algae include microalgae and macroalgae. Macroalgae or large algae include seaweeds, while microalgae include algae that can only be seen under a microscope. Algae includes naturally occurring algae such as oleaginous algae. Algae also include genetically modified algae and synthetically produced algae, for example, produced using synthetic biology techniques

[0011] Yeasts includes naturally occurring yeasts including oleaginous yeasts. Yeasts also include genetically modified yeasts and synthetically produced yeasts. Marine bacteria themselves, the natural chemicals produced by the marine bacteria, and / or synthetic chemicals can uniquely be used to protect feedstock crops from predators and parasites, increase the biomass of the feedstock crop (e.g., algae or yeasts), quality of the biomass, and / or productivity of the feedstock crop. Treatments described herein are alternatives to toxic biocides, antibiotics, and antifungals currently used in crop protection.

[0012] This disclosure describes compounds including: organophosphorous compounds; organosulfurous compounds; fatty acids; compounds disclosed in Table 14; one or more derivatives thereof; one or more salts, acids, bases, hydrates, and solvates thereof; and one ormore solvates of the salts thereof. The disclosure also describes compositions comprising one or more of these compounds and their use in the treatment of feedstock crops. It was unexpectedly discovered that treatment of feedstock with the compounds or compositions described herein increases the biomass of algae and yeasts, the quality of the product, and productivity, and extends the time between algae pond crashes significantly. The treatments are in a liquid concentrate that can be added to a wide range of cultivation systems (e.g., open or closed ponds, photobioreactors, marine / fresh water, etc.).

[0013] The compounds and compositions described herein can improve feedstock production. For algae feedstock cultivated in bioreactors, the compounds and compositions can serve as a dispersant to de-clump the algae, a biostimulant to increase the biomass of the algae by up to 40% in half the time, a cleaning agent to decontaminate the system without the need for biocides, or a combination thereof.

[0014] As used herein, the term “feedstock” can be used to refer to the algae and yeasts that produce the byproducts and to the “feed” that is fermented with the algae or yeast for algae or yeast byproduct production.

[0015] The compounds and compositions described herein can save energy, water, and the costs of labor, downtime, biocides, hazmat protocols, etc. while extending the harvest cycle.

[0016] For algae cultivated in closed and open ponds at small and large scales, the compounds and compositions described herein may further protect algae from attack by air and waterborne predators.

[0017] The compounds and compositions described herein may be used in a formulation alone or in combination with other technologies, such as specialty chemical additives for boosting biomass (e.g., nutrients, trace elements, fatty acids, temperature regulation, and vitamins) or controlling contamination via prophylactic methods or operational strategies (e.g., antibiotics, fungicides, antiseptics, botanical pesticides, acids, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, pH shock treatment, co-culture, and sonication).

[0018] The compounds and compositions described herein may provide crop protection for crops and animals produced through agriculture and aquaculture.

[0019] The compounds and compositions described herein can improve the productivity (i.e., increase the yield) of byproducts produced by yeast fermentation from different feedstocks (e.g., dedicated energy crops, agricultural crop residues, waste streams such as municipal solid waste or manure, plant oils, landfill waste, wood processing residues, algal biomass, etc.). Yeast feedstock crop can become contaminated in storage, in transit, and during the fermentation process. The compounds can protect the feedstock crop from contamination and spoilage toextend the shelf life before it is fermented by yeast. Yeast byproducts include but are not limited to: alcohols (e.g., ethanol), biofuel, esters, phenols, organic acids, aldehydes, plastics, vitamins, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. The compounds and compositions described herein can have one or more of the following effects: boost the productivity of the yeast; protect the yeast from attack by bacteria without the need for traditional antibiotics, which are currently used and end up in residues sold as animal feed; as a biostimulant (boosting biomass by up to 100% in less time); and / or as a cleaning agent to decontaminate the system without the need for biocides.

[0020] The compounds and compositions described herein can improve the overall productivity of algae and yeasts by boosting the growth rate and increasing overall yield, such as the biomass of the algae and yeasts, by improving the composition of algae such as its content including oil, lipids, and carbohydrates, and by improving the production of secondary products, such as vitamins and biopolymers, by the algae and yeasts. The biomass of the algae and yeasts can be increased by at least 10%. In embodiments, the biomass of the algae or yeasts can be increased by 10% to 100%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, 20% to 40%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 40%, 30% to 40%, 50% to 100%, 50% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 50% to 95%, 50% to 90%, 50% to 80%, or 50% to 70%, as compared to algae or yeasts that have not been treated with a compound or composition described herein.

[0021] The compounds and compositions described herein can also control the contamination of algae and yeasts by preventing and removing clumping and fouling and by killing pests that harm the algae and yeasts. The compounds and compositions can extend the life of algae and yeast ponds by at least 25% longer as compared to a pond that has not been treated with one or more compounds or compositions described herein. In embodiments, the life of the algae or yeast ponds is extended by 25% to 200%, 25% to 175%, 25% to 150%, 25% to 100%, 25% to 75%, 25% to 60%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 100% to 150%, or 150% to 200% longer than a pond that has not been treated with a compound or composition described herein.

[0022] The compounds described herein also include biosynthetic chemicals naturally produced by bacteria including marine bacteria, soil bacteria, or water bacteria, or chemically synthesized chemicals. One or more of these compounds can be added to the cultivation system directly. Examples of such compound include the organophosphorous or organosulfurous compounds, described in U.S. Patent 11 ,457631 , which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0023] The biosynthetic chemicals naturally produced by bacteria including marine bacteria, soil bacteria, or water bacteria can be used in several ways: co-culturing the bacteria with the organisms, for example, the algae or yeasts, during cultivation with the crops;using biosynthesized compounds of the bacteria present in the cultivation system of feed stock crops including algae or yeasts; chemical synthesis of the biosynthetic chemicals naturally produced by bacteria including bacteria; or genetically modifying the algae to contain the bacteria’s genetic information coding for the production of the active agent so that the algae produce the active agent.

[0024] In embodiments, the media used to grow or cultivate the bacteria including marine bacteria contains the biosynthetically produced compounds described herein. In embodiment, an extracted sample of the marine bacteria or the supernatant of the extracted sample contains the biosynthetic compounds. Extraction of bacteria includes cell lysis, centrifugation, and / or filtration to obtain a supernatant and cellular debris fraction.

[0025] As an example, the bacteria are marine bacteria. Examples of marine bacteria include P2-2, P3-2, P4-4, P5-2, P6-5, and P6-6. Bacterial cultures of P4-4 and P2-2 were deposited under the conditions of the Budapest Treaty with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209), and are designated PTA-6682 and PTA-6681 , respectively. Additional isolates were also deposited under the conditions of the Budapest Treaty with the ATCC, which include P3-2 (PTA-6763), P5-2 (PTA-6764), P6-5 (PTA-6765) and P6-6 (PTA-6766). These biological deposits are exemplary of the disclosed isolates. U.S. Patent 11 ,339,300, which describes these bacteria, is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0026] As used herein, the term “or” is understood to be inclusive unless specifically stated or obvious from context to the contrary. As used herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are understood to be singular or plural unless specifically stated or obvious from context to the contrary.

[0027] Furthermore, “and / or” where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two or more specified features or components with or without the other. Thus, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A and / or B” herein is intended to include “A and B,” “A or B,” “A” (alone), and “B” (alone). Likewise, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and / or C” is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; and A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0028] As used herein, the term “antimicrobial” refers to a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. As used herein, the term “antifouling” refers to a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of foulers.

[0029] As used herein, the term “aquaculture” refers to the production of aquatic plants, animals, and organisms under controlled or semi-natural conditions, throughout a part of all of their lifecycle.

[0030] As used herein, the term “feedstock” or “feedstock crop” refers to any biomass destined for conversion to energy or biofuel.

[0031] The term "heteroatom" refers to any atom other than carbon, for example, N, O, or S.

[0032] The term "substituents" refers to groups such as hydroxy, alkoxy, mercapto, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, aryloxy, substituted aryloxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, amino, amido, aldehyde, acyl, oxyacyl, carboxyl, sulfonyl, sulfonamide, sulfuryl, and the like.

[0033] The term "hydrocarbyl" refers to univalent groups formed by removing a hydrogen atom from a hydrocarbon, e.g. alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, and arylene. The term "substituted hydrocarbyl" refers to hydrocarbyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0034] The term "alkyl" refers to a monovalent straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having from one to 12 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl (also known as n- amyl), n-hexyl, and the like. The term "substituted alkyl" refers to alkyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0035] The term "alkenyl" refers to straight-chained or branched hydrocarbyl groups having at least one carbon-carbon double bond and having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and the term "substituted alkenyl" refers to alkenyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0036] The term "alkynyl" refers to straight-chained or branched hydrocarbyl groups having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, and having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and the term "substituted alkynyl" refers to alkynyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0037] The term "alkoxy" refers to the moiety -O-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above, and the term "substituted alkoxy" refers to alkoxy groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0038] The term "cycloalkyl" refers to alkyl groups having 3 and 8 carbon atoms arranged as a ring, and the term "substituted cycloalkyl" refers to cycloalkyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0039] The term "aromatic" refers to a cyclically conjugated molecular entity with stability, due to derealization, significantly greater than that of a hypothetical localized structure, such as the Kekule structure.

[0040] The term "heterocyclic," when used to describe an aromatic ring, refers to the aromatic rings containing at least one heteroatom, as defined above. The term "heterocyclic," when not used to describe an aromatic ring, refers to cyclic (i.e. , ring-containing) groups otherthan aromaticgroups, the cyclic group being formed by 3 and 14 carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom as defined herein.

[0041] The term "substituted heterocyclic" refers, for both aromatic and non-aromatic structures, to heterocyclic groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0042] The term "aryl" refers to aromatic groups having 5 to 14 carbon atoms and the term "substituted aryl" refers to aryl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0043] The term "heteroaryl" refers to aromatic rings, where the ring structure is formed by 3 to14 carbon atoms and by at least one heteroatom described above, and the term "substituted heteroaryl" refers to heteroaryl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0044] The term "alkylaryl" refers to alkyl-substituted aryl groups and the term “substituted alkylaryl” refers to alkylaryl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0045] The term "arylalkyl" refers to aryl-substituted alkyl groups and the term "substituted arylalkyl" refers to arylalkyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0046] The term "arylalkenyl" refers to aryl-substituted alkenyl groups and the term "substituted arylalkenyl" refers to arylalkenyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0047] The term "arylalkynyl" refers to aryl-substituted alkynyl groups and the term "substituted arylalkynyl" refers to arylalkynyl groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0048] The term "arylene" refers to divalent aromatic groups having 5 to 14 carbon atoms and the term "substituted arylene" refers to arylene groups further bearing one or more substituents as defined herein.

[0049] In embodiments, provided herein are methods of using the compounds or compositions described herein for treating feedstock crops to improve feedstock crop production.

[0050] In embodiments, provided herein are methods for treating a feedstock crop cultivation medium. The “cultivation medium” refers to any medium that supports the survival and / or growth of a feedstock crop.

[0051] In embodiments, provided herein are methods of protecting a feedstock crop from pests,. Pests include predators, grazers, fungi, pathogens, and bacteria that are destructive to feedstock crop.

[0052] In embodiments, provided herein are methods of increasing the biomass of a feedstock crop.

[0053] In embodiments, provided herein are methods of improving the biomass quality of a feedstock crop.

[0054] In embodiments, provided herein are methods of increasing the productivity of a feedstock crop.

[0055] The compositions described herein include one or more organophosphorous compounds, and / or organosulfurous compounds, and / or fatty acids, one or more derivatives thereof, one or more salts, acids, bases, hydrates, or solvates thereof, or one or more solvates of the salts thereof. Examples of organophosphorous compounds and organosulfurous compounds are described in U.S. Patent 11 , 457,631 and published U.S. Patent Application 20200015482. In embodiments, one or more organophosphorous compounds, and / or organosulfurous compounds, and / or fatty acids are described below.

[0056] In embodiments, the compounds described herein are represented by Formula I or a salt, acid, base, hydrate, or solvate thereof:Formula I wherein A is Ci-ie hydrocarbyl or Ci-w hydrocarbyl substituted with R1; X is NHR, NHOR, NHCOR, NHOCOR, or OR; and R is H or Ci-io hydrocarbyl;R1is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, OH, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4COR2, CO2R2, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, OCOR2, or phosphonic acid, wherein each of C1.6 hydrocarbyl, C1.6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, COR2, CO2R2, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, or OCOR2, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1.6 hydrocarbyl,C1.6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; andR2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen or C1-6 hydrocarbyl, wherein each of the C1-6 hydrocarbyls can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, Ci-6alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid.

[0057] In embodiments, X is NHR, NH2, OH, or OR.

[0058] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula I, in embodiments, R is H or C1.10 hydrocarbyl, including C1-10 alkyl (e.g. methyl; C2alkyl, such as ethyl; C3 alkyl, such as propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, etc.; C4 alkyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butyl, etc.; C5 alkyl, Ce alkyl, C7 alkyl, Cs alkyl, C9 alkyl, or C10 alkyl), C1.6 alkyl, C1.3 alkyl, C1-10 alkenyl (e.g. C2alkenyl, such as vinyl; C3 alkenyl, such as -CH2-CH=CH2; C4 alkenyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butenyl, etc.; C5 alkenyl, Ce alkenyl, C7 alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, C9 alkenyl,or C10 alkenyl), C2-6 alkenyl, C2-4 alkenyl; optionally substituted aryl, such as phenyl; or hydrocarbyl substituted phenyl, naphthyl, etc. In embodiments, R is H, C1-6 alkyl, C1-3 alkyl, or CH3.

[0059] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula I, in embodiments, A is Ci -w hydrocarbyl, including Ci .10 alkyl (e.g. methyl; C2alkyl, such as ethyl; C3alkyl, such as propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, etc.; C4alkyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butyl, etc.; C5alkyl, C6alkyl, C7alkyl, C8alkyl, C9alkyl, or Cw alkyl), Ci_6alkyl, Ci.3alkyl, C1-10 alkenyl (e.g. C2 alkenyl, such as vinyl; C3alkenyl, such as -CH2-CH=CH2; C4alkenyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butenyl, etc.; C5 alkenyl ( such as isopentenyl), Cs alkenyl, C7 alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, C9alkenyl, or Cw alkenyl), C2-6 alkenyl, C3-4alkenyl; optionally substituted aryl, such as phenyl; or hydrocarbyl substituted phenyl, naphthyl, etc.

[0060] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula I, in embodiments, A is C3-6 alkyl. In embodiments, A is C3alkyl, such as n-propyl, isopropyl, or cyclopropyl. In embodiments, A is C4alkyl, such as n-butyl, t-butyl, or cyclobutyl. In embodiments, A is Cs alky, such as n-pentyl, isopentyl, cyclopentyl, etc. In embodiments, A is Ce alkyl, such as n-hexyl, cyclohexyl, etc. In embodiments, A is C3.s alkenyl, such as propenyl, butenyl, isopentenyl, pentenyl, etc. In embodiments, A is C5 alkenyl, isopentenyl, or prenyl.With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula I, in embodiments, A is - (CH2)i-2-Cy, wherein Cy is optionally substituted cycloalkyl (such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl) or optionally substituted phenyl. In embodiments, A isIn embodiments,

[0061] Examples of compounds of Formula I wherein X is NH2include compounds shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0062] Table 1

[0064] Examples of compounds of Formula I wherein X is OH include compounds shown in Table 3.

[0066] Examples of compounds of Formula I wherein X is OR1, and R1is hydrocarbyl include compounds shown in Table 4.

[0068] In embodiments, the compounds described herein are represented by Formula II or a salt, acid, base, hydrate, or solvate thereof:Formula II wherein A is R; Y is 0 or S; X is NH2, OH, or OR; and G is R, wherein R is C1-16 hydrocarbyl.

[0069] An example of a compound of Formula II includes a compound of Formula II wherein X is NH2; A is (CH^CHs; Y is 0; G is OR; and R is C1-10 hydrocarbyl.Another example of a compound of Formula II includes a compound of Formula II wherein X is NH2; A is (CH2)3CH3; Y is O; G is OR; and R is C5H9, which is represented by the following structure:Formula IIA

[0070] Examples of compounds of Formula II wherein X is NH2, A is (CH2)3CH3, Y is O, and G is OR, and R is C1-10 hydrocarbyl include the compounds shown in Table 5.

[0071] Table 5

[0072] In embodiments, compounds of Formula II also include compounds of Formula II, wherein X is OH; A is R; Y is O; G is OR; and R is C1-10 hydrocarbyl, which is represented by the following structure:Formula IIB

[0073] In embodiments, the compound of Formula II, wherein X is NH2, Y is S, A is (CH^CHs, and G is CH (CHs)2, has the following structure:Formula IIC

[0074] In embodiments, the compound described herein is represented by Formula III or a salt, acid, base, hydrate, or solvate thereof:Formula III.

[0075] In embodiments, the compound described herein is represented by Formula IV or a salt, acid, base, hydrate, or solvate thereof:Formula IV wherein A is H, C1-16 hydrocarbyl or CMB hydrocarbyl substituted with R1; Z is 0 or a bond; Y is 0; G is OH, H, Ci-6-COO-alkyl, O-C1-16 alkyl, C1-16 hydrocarbyl, R1substituted C1-16 hydrocarbyl, CH2NHCH2COOH, or O-aryl; X is H, CN, -NHR, -NHOR, -NHOCOR, C1.10 hydrocarbyl, R1substituted C1.10 hydrocarbyl, or OR; and R is H, CMO hydrocarbyl, or R1substituted CMO hydrocarbyl;R1is halogen, cyano, OH, Ci_6hydrocarbyl, Ci_6alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, or phosphonic acid, wherein each of Ci-6hydrocarbyl, Ci-6alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO24, NR3CONR4, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1.6 hydrocarbyl, C1.6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; andR2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, in which each of the C1-6 hydrocarbyls can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid.

[0076] In embodiments, the compound described herein is represented by Formula V or a salt, acid, base, hydrate, or solvate thereof:Formula V wherein A is H, C1-20 hydrocarbyl, alkylaryl, or C1-20 hydrocarbyl substituted with R1; Z is 0 or a bond; G is OH, H, Ci-6-COO-alkyl, O-C1-6 alkyl, C1-16 hydrocarbyl, R1substituted C1-16 hydrocarbyl, CH2NHCH2COOH, or O-aryl;R1is halogen, cyano, OH, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, or phosphonic acid, wherein each of C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO24, NR3CONR4, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; andR2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, in which each of the C1-6 hydrocarbyls can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid.

[0077] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV or Formula V, in embodiments, Z is O or a bond. In embodiments, Z is O or Z is a bond.

[0078] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV, in embodiments, Y is 0.

[0079] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV or Formula V, in embodiments, G is OH, O-alkyl (such as OCH3, OC2H5, OC3H7, OC4H9, OC5Hn, OC6HI3, etc.), Ci-e-COO-alkyl, Ci-w hydrocarbyl, R1substituted Ci-w hydrocarbyl, or O-aryl. In embodiments, G is OCH3OC2H5, OC4H9. CH2COOCH3, OCH2CF3, C2H4CHNH2COOH, O-phenyl, CH2NHCH2COOH, or ONa.

[0080] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV, in embodiments, X is H, CN, NHR, NHOR, NHOCOR, Ci- hydrocarbyl, R1substituted Ci- hydrocarbyl, or OR; and R is H, C1-10 hydrocarbyl, or R1substituted Ci-w hydrocarbyl. In embodiments, X is H, OR, OH, OCH3, OC2H5, NHR, NH2, OCH2CF3, or CN.

[0081] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV, in embodiments, R is H or C1-10 hydrocarbyl, including C1-10 alkyl (e.g. methyl; C2alkyl, such as ethyl; C3alkyl, such as propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, etc.; C4alkyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butyl, etc.; Cs alkyl, Cs alkyl, C7alkyl, Cs alkyl, C9alkyl, or Cw alkyl), Ci-6 alkyl, C1.3 alkyl, CMO alkenyl (e.g. C2alkenyl, such as vinyl; C3alkenyl, such as CH2-CH=CH2, C4alkenyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butenyl, etc.; Cs alkenyl, Ce alkenyl, C7alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, C9alkenyl, or C10 alkenyl), C2.6 alkenyl, C2.4alkenyl, or aryl or optionally substituted aryl, such as phenyl or hydrocarbyl substituted phenyl, naphthyl, etc. In embodiments, R is H, C1-6 alkyl, Ci-3alkyl, CH3, C2H5, or CH2CF3.

[0082] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV or Formula V, in embodiments, A is H, Ci.2o hydrocarbyl, including Ci-i2alkyl (e.g. methyl; C2alkyl, such as ethyl; C3alkyl, such as propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, etc.; C4alkyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butyl, etc.; Cs alkyl, Cs alkyl, C7alkyl, Cs alkyl, C9alkyl, Cw alkyl, Cn alkyl or Ci2alkyl), Ci- 6 alkyl, Ci-3alkyl, Ci- alkenyl (e.g. C2alkenyl, such as vinyl; C3alkenyl, such as -CH2-CH=CH2, C4alkenyl, such as linear, branched or cyclic, butenyl, etc.; Cs alkenyl (such as isopentenyl), Cs alkenyl, C7alkenyl, Cs alkenyl, C9alkenyl, or C alkenyl), C2.6 alkenyl, C2.4alkenyl, aryl; such as phenyl or naphthyl, alkylaryl; or optionally R1substituted Ci-2o hydrocarbyl.

[0083] R1is selected from halogen, cyano, OH, Ci-s hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, and phosphonic acid, wherein each of Ci-6hydrocarbyl, Ci-6alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4,NR3SC>24, NR3CC>24, NR3CONR4, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; andR2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, in which each of the C1-6 hydrocarbyls can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, Ci_6alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid.

[0084] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV or Formula V, in embodiments, A is H. In embodiments, A is Ci_6alkyl; ethyl; C3alkyl, such as n-propyl, isopropyl, or cyclopropyl; C4 alkyl, such as n-butyl, t-butyl, or cyclobutyl; C5 alky, such as n-pentyl, isopentyl, cyclopentyl, etc.; C& alkyl, such as n-hexyl, cyclohexyl, etc.; C3.5 alkenyl, such as propenyl, butenyl, isopentenyl, pentenyl, etc.; or alkylaryl.

[0085] With respect to any relevant structural representation, such as Formula IV or Formula in embodiments, A is -(CH2)i-2-Cy, wherein Cy is optionally substituted cycloalkyl (such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl) or optionally substituted phenyl. In embodiments,substituted alkyl, CF3, C2H4OH, 1-amino-1-phenyl methyl, or 1-amino-2-phenyl-ethyl.

[0086] In embodiments of Formula IV, Y is O; Z is 0; A is C4H9; G is OC4H9; and X is H, OH, OCH3, or NH2.

[0087] In embodiments of Formula IV, Y is 0; Z is 0; A is CH2CF3; G is CH2COOCH3; and X is OCH2CF3. In embodiments, Y is 0; Z is 0; A is CH2CF3; G is OCH2CF3; and X is H. embodiments, Y is 0; Z is 0; A is C2H5; G is OC2H5; and X is CF2Br. In embodiments, Y is 0; Z is 0; A is C2H5; G is OC2H5; and X is CN.

[0088] In embodiments of Formula IV, Y is 0; Z is a bond; A is C2H4OH; G is OCH3; and X is OCH3.

[0089] Examples of compounds of Formula IV include the compounds shown in Table 6.

[0090] Table 6

[0091] Examples of compounds of Formula IV also include compounds shown in Table 7.

[0092] Table 7

[0093] Examples of compounds of Formula IV also include the compounds shown in Table 8.

[0094] Table 8

[0095] Examples of compounds of Formula IV also include compounds shown in Table 9.

[0096] Table 9

[0097] Examples of compounds of Formula V include compounds shown in Table 10. In embodiments, the compounds of Formula V are alkylbenzenesulfonic acids having Cw to Cie alkyl groups which are linear or branched.

[0098] Table 10

[0099] Examples of compounds of Formula V also include compounds shown in Table 11.

[0100] Table 11

[0101] Examples of compounds of Formula V also include compounds shown in Table 12.

[0102] Table 12

[0103] In embodiments, the fatty acids may be straight or branched saturated or unsaturated chains ranging up to 22 carbon atoms. The term “fatty acids” refers to a family of carboxylic acids having a hydrocarbon chain, generally from about 8 to 24 carbons long. When unsaturated (having a double bond) at least one point in the hydrocarbon chain, such fatty acids are designated by the position of the first double bond, w-3 fatty acids have a first double bond at the third carbon from the methyl end of the chain; and include a-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the like, w-6 fatty acids have a first double bond at the sixth carbon from the methyl end of the chain; and include linoleic acid, arachidonic acid (AA), and the like, w-9 fatty acids have a first double bond at the ninth carbon from the methyl end of the chain; and include, but are not limited to, oleic acid (OA), and the like.

[0104] Examples of fatty acids include capric acid, monocaprin, lauric acid, glycerol monolaurate, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, a-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and the like. Examples of fatty acids are also shown in Table 13.

[0106] Examples of additional compounds and compositions include: sulfuric acid; benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivatives; benzene, mono-C10-13-alkyl derivatives; disodium lauryl glucosides hydroxypropyl citrate; [2-(tridecyloxy)ethoxy]acetic acid; sulfuric acid, mono-C10-16-alkyl esters, compounds with triethanolamine; diethanolamine; triethanolamine; decyl glucoside; sodium lauryl glucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric C10-16 alkyl glycosides.

[0107] Table 14

[0108] In embodiments, the one or more compounds described herein include compounds of Tables 1-14, and derivatives, salts, acids, bases, hydrates, and / or solvates thereof.

[0109] The present dislosure describes composition comprising the one or more compounds described herein and carriers or excipients. As an example, the compositions described herein can include a mixture of alkylbenzene sulfonic acids (ABSA) or a mixture of sodium alkyl benzenesulfonates (SABS). In embodiments, the ABSA and SABS include C to Ci6alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0110] In embodiments, one or more compounds described herein can be used to treat algae and yeasts. As an example, one or more compounds include organophosphorous compounds, organosulfurous compounds, fatty acids, derivatives thereof, salts thereof (including salts of the derivatives), acids thereof, bases thereof, hydrates thereof, and solvates thereof (including acids, bases, hydrates, and solvates of the compounds, derivatives, and salts). In embodiments, the compositions described herein include one or more organophosphorous compounds, organosulfurous compounds, fatty acids, derivatives thereof, salts thereof (including salts of the derivatives), acids thereof, bases thereof, hydrates thereof, and solvates thereof (including acids, bases, hydrates, and solvates of the compounds, derivatives, and salts). Suitable salts of the compounds disclosed herein can be prepared from an inorganic acid or an organic acid. Examples of such inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids. Appropriate organic acids can be selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, heterocyclic, carboxylic, and sulfonic classes of organic acids, and any appropriate organic acids.

[0111] Suitable salts of the compounds disclosed herein can be prepared from a metallic salt. Metallic salts can be prepared from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Organic salts can be prepared from N,N'-dibenzylethylene-diamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, lysine, arginine, procaine, and any appropriate organic bases.

[0112] The compounds and compositions described herein can be used in the methods described herein to treat various algae and yeasts, including boosting their biomass or protecting them from pests, Examples of algae include Chlamydomonas spp., Chlorella spp., Haematococcus spp., Dunaliella spp., Monoraphidium spp., Picochlorus spp., Tetradesmus spp. (Scenedesmus spp.), Spirulina spp., Skeletonma spp., Chaetoceros, spp., Thalassiosira spp., Isochrysis spp., Testraselmis spp., and Nannochloropsis spp. Examples of species of algae include Haematococcus pluvialis, Monoraphidium minitum, Picochlorus celeri, and Tetradesmus obliquus. Examples of yeasts include Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Saccharomyces spp., and Candida spp. Examples of species of yeasts include Saccharomyces cerevisiae,Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces eubayanus, Saccharomyces kudrivzevii, Pichia pastoris, and Candida albicans.

[0113] The compounds and compositions described herein can be used to protect algae and yeasts from pests such as parasitic fungi and bacteria. An example of a bacterial pest includes Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus. Examples of parasitic fungi include Chytridiomycota (chytrids) spp. and Amoeboaphelidium spp.

[0114] The term “derivative” in chemistry refers to a compound that is obtained from a similar compound or a precursor compound by a chemical reaction.

[0115] As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, each embodiment disclosed herein can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of its particular stated element, step, ingredient, or component. Thus, the terms “include” or “including” should be interpreted to recite: “comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of.” The transition term “comprise” or “comprises” means includes, but is not limited to, and allows for the inclusion of unspecified elements, steps, ingredients, or components, even in major amounts. The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, ingredient, or component not specified. The transition phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of the embodiment to the specified elements, steps, ingredients, or components and to those that do not materially affect the embodiment. In embodiments, the lack of a material effect is evidenced by the lack of a statistically significant increase in the embodiment’s ability to perform a function, for example, improving the biomass and / or productivity of algae and / or yeasts in the feedstock crop.

[0116] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, constituents, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term "about." When further clarity is required, the term “about” has the meaning reasonably ascribed to it by a person skilled in the art when used in conjunction with a stated numerical value or range, i.e. denoting somewhat more or somewhat less than the stated value or range, to within a range of ±20% of the stated value; ±15% of the stated value; ±10% of the stated value; ±5% of the stated value; ±4% of the stated value; ±3% of the stated value; ±2% of the stated value; ±1% of the stated value; or ± any percentage between 1% and 20% of the stated value.

[0117] Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1 , 2, 2.5, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.1 , 5.3, 5.8, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Moreover, any ranges cited herein are inclusive.

[0118] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0119] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the claimed subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of claimed subject matter. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0120] The exemplary embodiments and examples below are included to demonstrate particular embodiments of the disclosure. These exemplary embodiments and examples are not intended, nor are they to be construed, as limiting the scope of the disclosure. It will be clear that the methods can be practiced otherwise than as particularly described herein. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in view of the teachings herein and, therefore, are within the scope of the disclosure.EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0121] The following are exemplary embodiments:1. A composition for treating a feedstock crop, the composition comprising: one or more compounds having the structure of Formula I, Formula II, Formula III, Formula IV, Formula V, a fatty acid, a compound of Table 14, or salts, acids, bases, hydrates, and / or solvates thereof, or a combination thereof; one or more compounds produced by natural marine bacteria; supernatant or extract of a sample of marine bacteria; and / or marine bacteria.2. The composition of embodiment 1 , wherein the compound is a compound of Tables 1-13.3. A method of protecting a feedstock crop from pathogens including pests, the method comprising applying the composition of embodiment 1 or 2 to the feedstock crop.4. A method of protecting a feedstock crop from pathogens, the method comprising applying the composition of embodiment 1 or 2 to a cultivation medium of the feedstock crop.5. A method of increasing biomass and / or productivity of a feedstock crop, the method comprising applying the composition of embodiment 1 or 2 to the feedstock crop, and culturing the feedstock crop, thereby increasing biomass and / or productivity of the feedstock crop, as compared to a feedstock crop cultured without the composition of embodiment 1 or 2.6. A method of improving biomass quality of a feedstock crop, the method comprising applying the composition of embodiment 1 or 2 to the feedstock crop, and culturing the feedstock crop, thereby increasing biomass quality of the feedstock crop when compared to a feedstock crop cultured without the composition of embodiment 1 or 2.7. The method of any one of embodiments 3-6, wherein the feedstock crop includes algae and / or yeasts.8. The method of any one of embodiments 3, 4, or 7, the method comprising protecting the algae and / or yeasts of the feedstock from pests and / or pathogens, improving the biomass and / or productivity of algae and / or yeast of the feedstock, and / or improving biomass quality of algae and / or yeast of the feedstock crop.9. The method of any one of embodiments 3, 4, 7, or 8 the method comprising protecting algae of the feedstock crop from pests and / or pathogens10. The method of any one of embodiments 3-9, wherein the algae include one or more species of Chlamydomonas spp., Chlorella spp., Haematococcus spp., Dunaliella spp., Monoraphidium spp., Picochlorus spp., Tetradesmus spp. (Scenedesmus spp.), Spirulina spp., Skeletonma spp., Chaetoceros, spp., Thalassiosira spp., Isochrysis spp., Testraselmis spp., and Nannochloropsis spp., and optionally wherein the algae include one or more of Haematococcus pluvialis, Monoraphidium minitum, Picochlorus celeri, and Tetradesmus obliquus.11. The method of any one of embodiments 3, 4, 7 or 8 method comprising protecting yeasts of the feedstock crop from pests and / or pathogens.12. The method of any one of embodiments 3-8, or 11 , wherein the yeasts include one or more species of Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Saccharomyces spp., and Candida spp. and optionally, wherein the yeasts include one or more of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces eubayanus, Saccharomyces kudrivzevii, Pichia pastoris, and Candida albicans.13. The method of any one of embodiments 3-12, the method comprising protecting the algae and yeasts from parasitic fungi and / or bacteria and optionally, wherein the parasitic fungi include one or more of Chytridiomycota (chytrids) spp. and Amoeboaphelidium spp.14. The method of any one of embodiments 3-13, the method comprising improving the biomass and / or productivity of the algae and / or yeasts by 10% to 100%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, 20% to 40%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 40%, 30% to 40%, 50% to 100%, 50% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 50% to 95%, 50% to 90%, 50% to 80%, or 50% to 70%, as compared to algae or yeasts of a feedstock that have not been treated with composition of embodiment 1 or 2.15. The method of any one of embodiment 3-14, the method comprising improving the biomass quality of algae and / or yeasts by increasing oil or lipid content in the algae and / or production of secondary products such as vitamins, nutraceuticals, and / or biopolymers as compared to algae and / or yeasts of a feedstock that have not been treated with the composition of embodiment 1 or 2.16. A method of preventing and / or removing clumping of algae and / or yeasts in the feedstock crop, the method comprising applying the composition of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2 to the feedstock crop.17. The composition of embodiment 1 or 2 or the method of any one of embodiments 3-14, wherein the composition includes sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, and / or alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.18. The composition of embodiment 1 or 2 or the method of any one of embodiments 3-15, wherein the feedstock crop includes algae and / or yeasts or feed fermented with algae and yeast.EXAMPLES

[0122] Example 1 - Treatment protected algae from fungal parasite pests.

[0123] The algae strain, Monoraphidium minutum 26B-AM (26B-AM) was challenged with an Amoeboaphelidium spp. fungal parasite. A mixture of ABSAs were added on day 0 as treatment, and Amoeboaphelidium spp. was added on day 1. Cultures were grown in 24 well plates (1 ,9ml / well) in algae media, incubated at 30°C, 16 hours (hrs) of light and 8 hrs of darkness (16 / 8 light / dark), shaking at 85 rpm. All samples were performed in biological triplicates. Samples were resuspended before daily readings on a plate reader (TECAN). The results were compared to an untreated control and an unchallenged control was used as a baseline. The ABSAs protected the algae and resulted in an increase in relative optical density (OD) at wavelength 690 nm of approximately 30% or more. Each data point represents mean optical density (OD, n = 3). An increase in OD correlates with an increase in algal density / biomass.

[0124] Example 2 - Treatment protected algae from a fungal parasite pest.

[0125] The algae Plcochlorum celery TG2 (TG2) was challenged with an Amoeboaphelidium sp. fungal parasite. Cultures were grown in 24 well plates (1.9ml / well) in algae media, incubated at 30°C, 16 / 8 light / dark, and shaking at 85 rpm. A mixture of SABSs were added as a treatment. All samples were performed in biological triplicates. Samples were resuspended before daily readings on a plate reader (TECAN). The results were compared to an untreated control and the unchallenged control was used as a baseline. SABSs protected the algae and resulted in an increase in OD (at wavelength 690 nm) of approximately 11%. Each data point represents mean OD (OD, n = 3). An increase in OD correlates with an increase in algal density / biomass.

[0126] Example 3 - Treatments protected algae from a fungal parasite pest.

[0127] The algae strain, Monoraphidium minutum 26B-AM (26B-AM) was challenged with an Amoeboaphelidium sp. fungal parasite. Cultures were grown in 24 well plates (1 ,9ml / well) in algae media, incubated at 30°C, 16 / 8 light / dark, and shaking at 85 rpm. SABS and ABSA compounds were added as a treatment. All samples were in biological triplicate. Microscopy images show that the Amoebaphelid kills the algae in the Control+Amoebaphelid image and algae was not killed in the presence of the Amoebaphelid with SABS or ABSA treatments.

[0128] Example 4 - Treatment protects algae from a fungal parasite in 1000 L ponds.

[0129] Pond crash tests are performed in 1000L ponds to test the efficacy of ABSA. Ponds containing M. minutum 26B-AM are treated with ABSA and challenged with Amoeboaphelidium sp. for 10 days. ABSA can increase the time to failure by up to 20% when compared with an untreated pond.

[0130] Example 5 - Treatment increased biomass of yeasts.

[0131] SABS was added to the growth culture medium of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 201389) and yeast biomass optical density (OD) was measured in a spectrophotometer at 600 nm over 140 hours at 30°C in YPD media in shake flasks (250 ml) and bioreactors (data not shown). The biomass of S. cerevisiae increased by approximately 32% (FIG. 1) compared to the control with no treatment.

[0132] All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. While the foregoing has been described in terms of various embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A composition for treating a feedstock crop, the composition comprising one or more compounds of a) Formula VFormula V wherein A is H, C1-20 hydrocarbyl, alkylaryl, or optionally R1substituted C1-20 hydrocarbyl; Z is 0 or a bond; G is OH, H, Ci-6-COO-alkyl, -O-C1-6 alkyl, R1substituted C1-10 hydrocarbyl, CH2NHCH2COOH, or O-aryl;R1is selected from halogen, cyano, OH, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, and NR3CONR4, wherein each of C1.6 hydrocarbyl, C1.6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1.6 hydrocarbyl, C1.6 alkoxy, or cyano; andR2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, in which each of the C1-6 hydrocarbyl can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 alkoxy, or cyano; b) Formula IVFormula IV wherein A is H, C1-16 hydrocarbyl or C1-16 hydrocarbyl substituted with R1; Z is 0 or a bond; Y is 0; G is OH, H, Ci-6-COO-alkyl, O-C1-16 alkyl, C1-16 hydrocarbyl, R1substituted C1-16 hydrocarbyl, CH2NHCH2COOH, or O-aryl; X is H, CN, -NHR, - NHOR, -NHOCOR, C1-10 hydrocarbyl, R1substituted C1-10 hydrocarbyl, or OR; and R is H, C1-10 hydrocarbyl, or R1substituted C1-10 hydrocarbyl;R1is halogen, cyano, OH, C1.6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, or phosphonic acid, wherein each of C1.6 hydrocarbyl, C1.6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4,CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; andR2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, Ci_6hydrocarbyl, in which each of the Ci_6hydrocarbyls can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, Ci_6alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid. c) Formula IFormula I wherein A is C1-10 hydrocarbyl or C1-10 hydrocarbyl substituted with R1; X is NHR, NHOR, NHCOR, NHOCOR, or OR; and R is H or Ci-w hydrocarbyl;R1is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, OH, C1-6 hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4COR2, CO2R2, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, OCOR2, or phosphonic acid, wherein each of Ci_6hydrocarbyl, Ci.6alkoxy, SOR2, SO2R2, SO2NR3R4, COR2, CO2R2, CONR3R4, NR3R4, NR3COR4, NR3SO2R4, NR3CO2R4, NR3CONR4, or OCOR2, can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, Ci-e hydrocarbyl, C1-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; and R2, R3, and R4are independently selected from hydrogen or Ci-6 hydrocarbyl, wherein each of the Ci-6 hydrocarbyls can be optionally substituted with halo, amino, hydroxyl, Ci-6 alkoxy, cyano, or phosphonic acid; d) Formula IIFormula II wherein A is R; Y is 0 or S; X is NH2, OH, or OR; and G is R, wherein R is Ci-i6hydrocarbyl; e) Formula IIIFormula III f) a fatty acid; or g) sulfuric acid: benzene, mono-C10-13-alkyl derivatives; disodium lauryl glucosides hydroxypropyl citrate; [2-(tridecyloxy)ethoxy]acetic acid; sulfuric acid, mono-C10-16- alkyl esters, compounds with triethanolamine; diethanolamine; triethanolamine; decyl glucoside; sodium lauryl glucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate; and D-glucopyranose, oligomeric C10-16 alkyl glycosides or salts, acids, bases, hydrates, or solvates thereof.

2. A composition for treating a feedstock crop, the composition comprising: extract of one or more marine bacteria; supernatant of an extract of marine bacteria; media for growing the marine bacteria; or one or more marine bacteria.

3. A method of protecting a feedstock crop from pests, the method comprising applying the composition of claim 1 or 2 to the feedstock crop.

4. A method of increasing biomass and / or productivity of a feedstock crop, the method comprising applying the composition of claim 1 or 2 to the feedstock crop, and culturing the feedstock crop, thereby increasing biomass and / or productivity of the feedstock crop, as compared to a feedstock crop cultured without the composition of claim 1 or 2.

5. A method of improving biomass quality of a feedstock crop, the method comprising applying the composition of claim 1 or 2 to the feedstock crop, and culturing the feedstock crop, thereby increasing biomass quality of the feedstock crop when compared to a feedstock crop cultured without the composition of claim 1 or 2.

6. The method of any one of claims 3-5, wherein the feedstock crop comprises algae and / or yeasts.

7. The method of claim 6, the method comprising protecting the algae and / or yeasts of the feedstock from pests and / or pathogens, improving the biomass and / or productivity of algae and / or yeast of the feedstock, and / or improving biomass quality of algae and / or yeast of the feedstock crop.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, the method comprising protecting the algae of the feedstock crop from pests and / or pathogens.

9. The method of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the algae comprise one or more species of Chlamydomonas spp., Chlorella spp., Haematococcus spp., Dunaliella spp., Monoraphidium spp., Picochlorus spp., Tetradesmus spp. (Scenedesmus spp.), Spirulina spp., Skeletonma spp., Chaetoceros, spp., Thalassiosira spp., Isochrysis spp., Testraselmis spp., and Nannochloropsis spp., and optionally wherein the algae comprise one or more of Haematococcus pluvialis, Monoraphidium minitum, Picochlorus celeri, and Tetradesmus obliquus.

10. The method of claim 6 or 7, the method comprising protecting yeasts of the feedstock crop from pests and / or pathogens.

11. The method of any one of claims 6, 7, or 10, wherein the yeasts comprise one or more species of Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Saccharomyces spp., and Candida spp. and optionally, wherein the yeasts comprise one or more of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces eubayanus, Saccharomyces kudrivzevii, Pichia pastoris, and Candida albicans.

12. The method of any one of claims 6-11 , the method comprising protecting the algae and yeasts from parasitic fungi and / or bacteria and optionally, wherein the parasitic fungi comprise one or more of Chytridiomycota (chytrids) spp. and Amoeboaphelidium spp.

13. The method of any one of claims 4-12, the method comprising improving the biomass and / or productivity of the algae and / or yeasts by 10% to 100%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 10% to 30%, 20% to 40%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 40%, 30% to 40%, 50% to 100%, 50% to 75%, 75% to 100%, 50% to 95%, 50% to 90%, 50% to 80%, or 50% to 70%, as compared to algae or yeasts of a feedstock that have not been treated with composition of claim 1 or 2.

14. The method of any one of claims 4-13, the method comprising improving the biomass quality of algae and / or yeasts by increasing oil or lipid content in the algae and / or production of secondary products such as vitamins, nutraceuticals, and / or biopolymers as compared to algae and / or yeasts of a feedstock that have not been treated with the composition of claim 1 or 2.15 A method of preventing and / or removing clumping of algae and / or yeasts in the feedstock crop, the method comprising applying the composition of claim 1 or claim 2 to the feedstock crop.

16. The composition of claims 1 or 2 or the method of any one of claims 3-15, wherein the composition comprises sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, and / or alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.

17. The composition of claims 1 or 2 or the method of any one of claims 3-16, wherein the feedstock crop comprises algae and / or yeasts or feed fermented with algae and yeast.

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