Seed quality and micronutrient contents and translocations in rapeseed (Brassica napusL.) as affected by nitrogen and zinc fertilizers

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study seed quality, micronutrient contents and translocations in rapeseed as affected by nitrogen and zinc fertilizers. In this study, two cultivars of rapeseed (Licord and Modena), three N levels (100, 200 and 300 mg kg−1) and three Zn levels (0, 5 and 10 mg kg−1) with three replications were used. As N and Zn fertilizers’ rates increased, seed protein content and seed, shoot and root yield increased. The highest seed protein was obtained at 300 mg N kg−1 plus 10 mg Zn kg−1 treatment. Seed oil content was significantly decreased or increased at higher N and Zn rates, respectively. Application of N significantly increased Zn, Fe and Cu concentrations in seed, shoot and root, while decreased that of Mn. As Zn rates increased, concentration of Fe in seed and that of Zn in seed, shoot and root of both cultivars increased; however, Fe concentration in root and shoot and Mn and Cu concentrations in seed, root and shoot decreased. The average translocation of micronutrients from root to shoot was found to be in the order of Mn > Zn > Cu > Fe. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in this field.