Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L. cv.' Xin Ziran 1 '), classified within an agricultural crop, necessitates uprooting as a critical harvesting process. In this paper, we tried to study the force dynamics behind direct cumin uprooting by developing mechanical models for field uprooting and taproot-soil friction. A mechanical model for cumin uprooting and a friction model between the cumin taproot and sandy loam soil were built. The coefficient of static friction was determined using laboratory experiments. Pull-out, tensile force, and field uprooting experiments were conducted to validate the model. The physical and mechanical properties of the taproot were also measured. DEM simulation was employed for pull-out analysis. The static coefficient of friction between the cumin taproot and sandy loam soil was found to be approximately 0.766. The mechanical model showed high precision (0.4% and 5% error rates). Measured taproot properties included 80.91% moisture content, 0.40 Poisson's ratio, 15.95 MPa elastic modulus, 5.70 MPa shear modulus, and 3.49 MPa bending strength. A DEM simulation revealed agreement with experimental observations for maximum frictional resistance at pull-out. The minimum resistance was noted at the extraction angle of 60 degrees. The developed mechanical model for cumin uprooting was satisfactory in accuracy. Overcoming initial soil resistance is the primary factor affecting pull-out force magnitude. The optimized extraction angle had the potential to decrease uprooting resistance, improving harvesting efficiency.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a globally important spice crop, particularly significant in Xinjiang, China, where it is extensively cultivated in cotton-cumin intercropping systems. This review concentrates on the serious bottleneck hindering the development of the cumin industry: the low level of harvesting mechanization. Traditional manual harvesting methods are labor-intensive, inefficient, and result in high yield losses. This paper fully explores the prospects and challenges of mechanizing cumin harvesting in accordance with the particular biological characteristics of cumin plants and the complexity of intercropping systems. We review the current status of research in the following domains: (1) cumin biological traits and intercropping models; (2) grain loss and stalk damage patterns in stripper harvesting of similar crops; (3) factors influencing root-soil interaction during mechanical extraction; (4) uprooting-conveying harvesting techniques and row division/plant singulation methods applicable to root and tuber crops; and (5) cumin-threshing and -cleaning technologies. This review highlights the inadequacy of current grain-harvesting machinery for cumin and underscores the urgent need for specialized, low-loss harvesting technologies tailored to cumin's delicate nature and intercropping context. Finally, we propose future research directions to overcome these mechanization challenges and promote the sustainable development of the cumin industry.

Al toxicity is the main limiting factor for crop production in acidic soil, so this study is aimed to improve understanding of the effects of curcumin on the aluminum (Al) tolerance of grapes, Al-tolerant cultivation and the epigenetic mechanism of grapes exposed to Al. Vitis vinifera x V labrusca `Shuifing' cuttings were cultivated in greenhouse, which were exposed to 20 mmol L-1 aluminum sulfate and then treated with curcumin in different concentrations. Then, indicators of physiological resistance and the DNA methylation level of the grape leaves were measured. The results demonstrated that Al stress led to a series of physiological and biochemical changes in grape leaves and significantly increased DNA methylation levels. Specifically, the chlorophyll, protein, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content decreased, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) also decreased, while the proline, malonaldehyde and Al content increased drastically, resulting in damage to grape plants. However, treatment by 100 and 200 mu cool L-1 of curcumin led to significantly reduced DNA methylation levels and Al accumulation in grape leaves, reduced accumulation of malonaldehyde and proline, increased chlorophyll and protein content, enhanced SOD and POD activity, and improved intake of P and K. In summary, treatment by 100 and 200 mu mot Li curcumin had a significant effect on the Al tolerance of grapes, indicating that toxicity for grape cultivation in acidic soil.

Atrazine (ATR), a water-soluble herbicide commonly used to control broad-leaf and monocotyledonous weeds, presents a significant risk to environmental soil and water quality. Exposure to ATR adversely affects human and animal health, frequently resulting in cardiac impairment. Curcumin (Cur), an acidic polyphenol derivative from plants acclaimed for its pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has garnered interest as a potential therapeutic agent. However, whether it has the potential to ameliorate ATR-induced cardiac toxicity via modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis pathways in mice remains unclear. Our results showed that Cur supplementation attenuates ATR-induced cardiotoxicity, evidenced by decrease in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, key biochemical markers of myocardial injury, which have a more significant protecting effect in high-dose ATR induced injury. Histopathological and electron microscopy examinations further solidified these findings, demonstrating an amelioration in organellar damage, particularly in endoplasmic reticulum swelling and subsequent mitochondrial impairment. Additionally, ATR exposure augments ERS and triggers apoptotic pathways, as indicated by the upregulation of ERS-related gene expression (ATF6, CHOP, IRE1, GRP78) and pro-apoptotic markers (BAX, BAK1, Caspase3, Caspase. Intriguingly, Cur counteracts this detrimental response, significantly reducing ERS and pro-apoptotic signals at both transcriptional and translational levels. Collectively, our findings illuminate Cur's cardioprotective effect against ATRinduced injury, primarily through its anti-ERS and anti-apoptotic activities, underscoring Cur's potential as a therapeutic for ATR-induced cardiotoxicity.

This ground-breaking research embarks on a journey to explore the transformative capabilities of Musa acuminata fiber-reinforced epoxy composites enriched with the enchanting prowess of alumina particles. The primary goal is to provide invaluable insights into the performance and potential applications of these eco-materials. Through the skilled craftsmanship of a compression molding machine, the composites were prepared meticulously and infused with different weight percentages of alumina particles (5%, 10%, and 15%) in the epoxy matrix, along with treated and untreated Musa acuminata fibers. TBA10 samples emerged as the champions among the compositions tested, showcasing the TES and FLS at an impressive 45.78 MPa and 76.97 MPa, respectively. On the other hand, the esteemed TBA15 sample exhibited an exceptional IMS of 60.8 kJ/m(2). SEM painted a mesmerizing picture, revealing a robust bond between the reinforcement and the medium. The incorporation of Al2O3 powder resulted in significantly reduced fiber pull-outs and voids, reinforcing the composite's structural integrity. Intriguingly, the water absorption behavior of the TBA10 sample stood out, boasting a mere 24% water absorption percentage, underscoring its remarkable water-defying capabilities. The degradation of lignin occurred at higher temperatures, approximately 415 C-degrees for untreated composites (UB) and 450 C-degrees for TBA15 composites. This enhancement in thermal stability testified to the profound impact of alumina infusion. By evaluating biodegradation behavior through soil burial tests, TBA15 showcased its resilience, exhibiting minimal strength loss, with only a 9.65% reduction in TES, 15% reduction in FLS, and 6.77% reduction in IMS.