ZnO-nanoparticles and stage-based drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): effect on morpho-physiology, nutrients uptake, grain yield and quality.

Drought-stressed and zinc-deficient soils are major contributors to reduced wheat yields and low-quality grains, especially in semi-arid regions of the world. Zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are adept enough to avoid these losses if applied under the right dose at the right growth stage of many crops including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).