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.