J. Nyéki

Aes study of surface segregation of Ge in amorphous Si1-xGex thin film alloys

Abstract Surface segregation of Ge in amorphous Si1−xGex thin film alloys was studied by Auger electron spectroscopy technique. The alloys (with Ge bulk concentrations in the range of 18–58 at.%) were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering and annealed in a UHV chamber in the temperature range of 653–673 K. The surface equilibrium data were evaluated using segregation kinetics and the bulk diffusion coefficient of Ge was estimated in the framework of the model developed by Lea and Seah. We show that the experimental data can be interpreted using the McLean–Langmuir isotherm. The estimated segregation energy is lower than the theoretical one calculated in crystalline SiGe alloys neglecting the allowing and the size effects. We also found that the Ge bulk diffusion coefficient shows similar concentration dependence, as observed in amorphous SiGe multilayers.

Ni volume diffusion in Ni2MnGa

Abstract 63Ni volume diffusion in monocrystalline Ni2MnGa shape-memory ferromagnetic alloy was investigated in the temperature range of 700–1033 K. The composition of the alloy was slightly Ni rich and the direction of diffusion was perpendicular to the (100) plane. The temperature dependence of the volume diffusion coefficient can be described by the following Arrhenius function: D T =5.49 −3.36 +8.65 ×10 −8 exp − 146 , 000±6600 RT m 2 / s .

Correlation between Barkhausen noise and mechanical sensitivity in FINEMET-type materials

Measuring technique, developed at our Laboratory for the investigation of ferromagnetic industrial materials, experimental results obtained and their analysis are reviewed. The magnetic properties (permeability, mechanical sensitivity) of as received and heat treated Finemet type ribbons (Fe75Si15NbBCu) were measured with common industrial equipments. The above properties were correlated with magnetic Barkhausen noise parameters. The distributions of peak area A and peak noise energy E were analyzed and it was found that distribution of the noise parameters P(x) (where x = A or E), were in good agreement with the theory of self organized criticality (SOC), satisfying power laws in the form P(x) ~x. Useful correlation between the noise parameters and the mechanical sensitivity has been established. The noise did not considerably depend on the other parameters of ribbons.

Floral analysis as an early plant analitical tool to diagnose nutritional status of fruit trees

Oil rape is a valuable fodder because in early spring and late autumn it produces green forage used for the nutrition of domestic animals. It has been replacing sunflower and soy in colder and wetter regions. It is additionally advantageous because it leaves behind more nitrogen in soil, which is beneficial to other plants in plant rotation. There are some possible ways for the fixation of nitrogen in soil and they are as follows: by the means of oil rape straw ; by relatively long roots ; by the action of nitrogen bacteria, which perform the nitrogen synthesis within their root system, which is the case in some leguminous plants. Oil seed rape is expected to be wider used in crop rotation of West and Middle Europe, Croatia included. Due to this various sorts have been introduced and potential positive impacts have been studied in order to boost the process. This paper presents information on barley and wheat yield in case when they were sown after oil seed rape and corn. The aim of the research is to determine the presence of positive impacts upon the soil with special attention paid to a potential increase of nitrogen content after oil seed rape was grown. The preceding crops had statistically significant effect. Rape yield was significantly higher compared to the one with corn as preceding crops. Very similar results were obtained in 2007.The maize hybrids seed from three different FAO groups (FAO 400, FAO 500 and FAO 600) in four fractions (KO, KP, SO and SP) produced in two climatically different years (extremely dry 2000 and extremely wet 2001) had been different in quality and chemical composition. The effects of year, genetic specifity and seed fraction at the kernel mass, chemical composition (starch, proteins, cellulose, oil and moisture content) and seed vigour have been evaluated. The influence of agroecological conditions during two production years have been exposed at seed chemical composition and vigour indicators (cold test – CT and bulk seed electrical conductivity - EC). The genetic specificity and seed fraction had significant influence at all tested indices, with the exception of the influence of the fraction at the starch content

Postharvest Treatments with Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid for Maintaining Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Sensory Quality Properties of Apricot Fruit during Cold Storage and Shelf-Life

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid on 12 quality parameters of apricot fruit in treatments of cold storage (1°C for 7, 14 and 21 days) and shelf-life (4 and 8 days at 25°C after a 21-day cold storage treatment). Fruit quality parameters included 6 physico-chemical characteristics (weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, acidity, total soluble solids/acidity ratio and juice pH) and 6 sensory properties (skin and flesh colour, texture, taste, visual appearance and overall acceptability). Among physico-chemical characteristics, applications of 0.2 mmol/L methyl jasmonate and 2 mmol/L salicylic acid significantly reduced fruit weight loss, fruit softening and juice pH and maintained soluble solid content and acidity over the whole storage period. Among sensory properties, all parameters were generally increased by methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid treatments compared to water-treated control and the water-treated fruits showed the lowest scores below the acceptability limit except for skin colour. In conclusion, our results suggest using methyl jasmonate and/or salicylic acid to enhance and prolong the storability of apricot fruits during both cold storage and shelf-life period.

Fruit Drop Pattern of Sour Cherry Cultivars

Fruit drop rates of 9 sour cherry cultivars (‘Érdi bőtermő’, ‘Debreceni bőtermő’, ‘Kántorjánosi’, ‘Újfehértói fürtös’, ‘Éva’, ‘Petri’ ‘Oblacsinszka’, ‘Pandy 279’ and ‘Csengődi’) were studied. Trees were eight years old, grafted on Prunus mahaleb and grown in Újfehértó, located in the Eastern north part of Hungary. Significant differences have been found in fruit set among cultivars. The average fruit set was 18.3%; ‘Oblacsinszka’ fruit set was highest (32.6%), while ‘Debreceni bőtermő’ and ‘Pandy 279’, was lowest (12%). Seasonal changes for fruit set and drop revealed four abscission peaks. The first fruit abortion wave appeared during the second week after pollination. Thereafter, the second and third periods occurred during the third and fourth weeks after pollination. The fourth abscission peak was during the fourth week after pollination. The highest fruit drop occurred in ‘Pandy 279’ (92.4%) followed by ‘Éva’ (90%), while the lowest fruit drop was observed in ‘Oblacsinszka’ (71.5%). INTRODUCTION The most important factors affecting sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) fruit set and drop are: heat, drought and/or rainy spring weather during bloom, extreme temperatures or wind impairing pollination, adequate and compatible combinations of pollen donors and pollinated cultivars, rootstock, soil fertility, delayed pruning, and diseases and pests (Looney, 1996; Kozma et al., 2003). Regular-bearing cultivars have a unique property of self-thinning capacity by which they maintain fruit load year after year (Davarynejad et al., 1993). Drop of flowers and fruit is a common problem in most fruit crops; fruits continue to drop at various stages of development. Davarynejad et al. (1993) and Nyéki et al. (2003) explained that fruit drop is not always detrimental, but that drop at the initial stages of fruit development seems to be necessary, through balancing resources. In apple (Malus domestica) and other tree fruits, fruit yield depends on fruit set and the amount of fruit drop. Dry springs can cause severe fruit drop (Davarynejad et al., 2009). In sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and pear (Pyrus communis), the first growth phase of fruits was more important; in sour cherry and plum (Prunus domestica), the severity of the first and second fruit drop was nearly equal (Soltész, 1997). In sweet and sour cherry, the second period of fruit drop may occur earlier than 6 weeks after bloom, whereas the third fruit drop (also “red drop”) occurs as fruit start to ripen (Nyéki, 1978). Gardner et al. (1952), however, found the dynamics of fruit drop to be very similar in apple, pear and sweet cherry. Thompson (1996) found that in sour and sweet cherry, the flowers shed within 1.5-2.5 weeks after full bloom. Nyéki (1978) reviewed the factors that influence fruit drop of sweet cherry, plum and sour cherry. In sour cherry, flower fertilization and rate of development was implicated. The pit-hardening process slowed down, with fruits being shed 10-25 days after full bloom (Soltész, 2003). In sour cherry, preharvest fruit drop is rare, only occurring with excessively heavy fruit loads. Preharvest drop is aggravated by wind, depending on the fruit species and variety (Roemer, 1968-70; Gautier, 1974). a Email: davarynej@um.ac.ir. Proc. VIth Intl. Cherry Symposium Eds.: M. Ayala et al. Acta Hort. 1020, ISHS 2014 186 MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was conducted using nine sour cherry cultivars; ‘Érdi bőtermő’, ‘Debreceni bőtermő’, ‘Kántorjánosi’, ‘Újfehértói fürtös’, ‘Éva’, ‘Petri’, ‘Oblacsinszka’, ‘Pandy 279’ and ‘Csengődi’. Eight year-old trees grafted on Prunus mahaleb and located in Újfehértó, in the Eastern north part of Hungary were observed. Tree spacing was 4.0 x 3.5 m. Soil preparation, fertilization and pest control were according to local recommendations and need. Tree training was done according to commercial practices, with the general goal of a spindle-shaped canopy. Grass alleyways were used in the rows. Irrigation and fruit thinning were not used. Open pollinated flowers were observed, on 5-10 branches at 1.5-2 m above ground level at four different orientations (north, east, south, and west; N, E, S, W, respectively), comprising 400-500 flowers per cultivar. Number of flowers and fruit set on a branch in four directions was counted according to method explained by Kozma et al. (2003). Fruit set was registered weekly and compared in all cultivars and for different orientations (N, E, S, and W). The number of abscised fruits was recorded the second week after flowering and every week thereafter until fruit ripened. The ratio of dropped fruits was expressed as a percentage of the total number of fruit set. Statistical Analysis: Diameter data were analyzed as repeated measures model using proc Mix from SAS software. Fruit set and drop data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using proc GLM from SAS software. Duncan’s multiple range tests (α = 0.05) were done using MSTATC program. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Fruit Drop There was no significant relationship between fruit set and fruit drop among the examined cultivars. The lowest fruit drop occurred on ‘Oblacsinszka’ (71.5%). Taking the first fruit set to be equal to 100%, the highest total fruit drop occurred on ‘Pandy 279’ (92.4%), which was similar to ‘Éva’ (90%). Seasonal changes for fruit set and drop can be seen (Fig. 1). Four abscission peaks were identified based on the average of the nine cultivars. The first fruit abortion wave appeared during second week after pollination. At this time, large drops were not characteristic. Thereafter, the second and third dropping period occurred during the third and fourth weeks after pollination. The fourth abscission occurred between the fourth and fifth week after pollination, which resulted in one percent fruit drop. Fruit drop gradually diminished over subsequent weeks. ‘Érdi bőtermő’ was especially remarkable for drop of yellowish red fruits (Fig. 2), given that Soltész (1997) found the severity of the first and second fruit drop to be nearly equal. High rates of fruit drop were observed by Nyéki (1978) in ‘Pandy meggy 114’ (99.7%), ‘Pandy meggy 10’ (98.9%). In sweet and sour cherry, the second period of fruit drop may occur earlier than 6 weeks after bloom, whereas the third fruit drop (“red drop”) occurs as fruit start to ripen. The results in this study support Nyéki (1978); in the case of ‘Érdi bőtermő’, when the fruit size reached 6-8 mm diameter, a fraction of the crop turned yellowish and dropped. Fruit abscission significantly (P<0.05) varied by branch orientation. Most fruit abscission occurred in branches facing north. West-oriented branches had the least abscising fruits. Branches oriented in the other two directions had intermediate abscission rates (Fig. 3). Within cultivars, the number of fruit shed relative to direction differed, except for ‘Petri’ and ‘Oblacsinszka’ where branch direction did not affect number of fruit shed. The branches facing east and north shed more fruits compared to the other directions. The highest amounts of fruit shed occurred on ‘Pandy’ east facing branches and the lowest fruit shed occurred on ‘Érdi bőtermő’ north and west facing branches (Fig. 3a, c). Literature Cited Davarynejad, G.H., Nyéki, J. and Szabó, Z. 1993. Relationship between fertility and seed content in apple cultivars, Acta Agro. Hung. 42(3-4):365-375.

Comparative Study of Organic and Integrated Apple Growing: Differences in Fruit Nutrition

The objective of our research was to compare the nutritional aspects of organic and integrated production systems in apples (Malus domestica Borkh., Rewena, Retina, and Reanda) in the region of Hajdúság (eastern Hungary). Adjacent pairs of production systems were studied. In our 2-year study, the macronutrient statuses of soil and leaves as well as fruit inner parameters were compared in integrated and organic apple management systems to determine the differences in nutrient uptake and utilization with the aim to improve and harmonize nutrient supply in environmentally benign apple orchards. The effects of year, cultivar, and production system were studied on leaf mineral concentrations and acid and sugar contents of apples. There were no differences in soil nutrient contents between examined production systems. Regarding leaf mineral composition, the year effect was significant for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) and less significant for potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). Production system and cultivar had no significant effect on leaf nutrients examined, except Mg and P in 2009. It seems that cultivars had stronger effect on acid contents of apples than production system. The effects of year, cultivar, and production system on the vitamin C content of apples were significant. Moreover, the concentrations of sugars (except sucrose) were not significantly affected by production system and cultivar. Although fruit quality (sugar and organic acid contents) depends on environmental factors, which can be influenced by irrigation, nutrition, plant protection, and training system, we found that the effect of species (plant genetic factor) was stronger.

Groundcover as a Useful Tool for Efficient Resource Management and Sustainable Production

A field trial has been conducted on 5-year-old Sweet Lady and Royal Glory peach cultivars on a sandy loam soil at Siófok, West Hungary, since 2009. Four in-row ground management systems (pine bark mulch, cow manure, black fabric cover, and no cover with herbicide applications) were evaluated in a plot design with three replicates to study their effects on the soil temperature and nutrient contents of leaves. The fluctuation of soil temperature was more moderate with mulch and manure as groundcover. Leaf nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) concentrations increased but leaf magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) decreased because of the treatments. Leaf manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) content were slightly affected by the treatments and the changing was not significant at some treatments. Overall, our results suggest that leaf nutrient concentrations respond differentially to different mulches.