“Actives” are defined as all kinds of molecules or materials or mixes thereof which can have a positive influence on all or any of the phases of seed germination and/or the growth and development of seedlings and plants. Different types of additive are recognized and can be divided into three main sub-groups:
- Plant Protection Products
- Stimulants
- Biologicals

Plant protection products
Plant protection products are actives which will positively influence seed germination and the growth and development of seedlings and plants by controlling pests and diseases. More and more of these products are available on the market for seed treatment use and INCOTEC is in close cooperation with the developers of plant protection products to create optimal seed application methods.
INCOTEC has developed the product Sanokote® Lettuce, which is a combination of priming, coating and Gaucho application in order to obtain optimal performance from lettuce seeds. The patented Sanokote® Smart technology is one of the innovative solutions to the problem of negative germination effects when the seed requires high doses of PPP.

Stimulants
Micronutrients, plant growth regulators, activators of genes, activators of systemic resistance, plant growth promoters and miscellaneous types such as seaweed or plant extracts are all recognized as stimulants. INCOTEC is continually scouting for all kinds of stimulants presently available on the market and those which are being developed in the scientific world. The effect of these actives are thoroughly evaluated in our major products in laboratory and field trials and are subsequently built into our product forms.

Biologicals
Biologicals are a separate sub-group of Actives because they represent living organisms and this requires special handling and specific application technology. Biologicals can either have a plant protection and/or growth stimulant mode of action.
Important parameters in the research of “Actives” are: consistent results (effects of the materials), recovery of the active ingredients, dust-free binding of Actives on seeds and the seed to seed distribution of the active ingredient. It is important that each seed receives an equal amount of active ingredient and that handling of the treated seeds is safe for the handler and for the environment.