# Enhancing rapeseed germination by nano zinc oxide and zinc sulfate particles under interrupted irrigation

## TL;DR

This study shows that applying zinc sulfate and zinc oxide nanoparticles improves rapeseed germination, especially under drought conditions.

## Contribution

The novel finding is the combined use of zinc sulfate and nano zinc oxide to enhance germination under drought stress in rapeseed.

## Key findings

- Combined application of zinc sulfate and nano zinc oxide improves germination performance in rapeseed.
- Application at three growth stages (germination, flowering, pod formation) is most effective.
- Improvements are particularly significant under drought stress conditions.

## Abstract

The manuscript investigates the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate (applied singly or in combination) on seed germination traits of four spring rapeseed cultivars, including three open-pollinated varieties (Delgan, Zafar, and RGS003) and the hybrid variety Hayola 50, under varying drought stress conditions imposed on the mother plants. The study employs a split–plot design over two years, assessing several germination and vigor indices. The results showed that application of zinc fertilizer in the form of a combination of foliar application of zinc sulfate and zinc oxide nanoparticles (at a concentration of 5 ppm) to the mother plant at three growth stages, namely germination, flowering, and pod formation, generally improves germination performance, especially under drought stress.