A blend of tamarind kernel powder and xanthan gum has been found to have a synergistically high viscosity in aqueous solution.

Disclosed herein is an aqueous suspension of insecticidally active compounds comprising a solid active compound applied as a coating to an inorganic carrier and auxiliaries, water and glycerol.

The invention is directed to a pigment suspension, for use in film coating, comprising titanium dioxide, xanthan gum, and an aqueous solvent. It was found that a pigment suspension comprising 30 percent titanium dioxide was obtainable that did not settle or harden for an extended period of time.

A vegetation element for the greening of artificial expanses, made from a mixture of organic substrate particles, nutrients and synthetic material components; this mixture, by the addition of plastic foam components and binders being combined to form a uniform firm element. According to the invention, the vegetation element is characterised in that the mixture comprises a component of organic substrate particles exceeding 20% by weight, with the mixture being foamed-out with binders, with plant material able to germinate, such as seeds, sprouts, rhizomes or similar being added to the mixture, and in that at least one surface pointing away from the top surface of the vegetation element comprises a fire retardant.

A device (10) for germinating seeds (S) is described. The device includes tubes (30) inside the container mounted on a base (31). The seeds are soaked in a solution (A) and then the spent solution (A1) is removed and the seeds are aerated through fluid outlet (22) with cover (23) and cover (12) open, such that air flows through the tubes (30) to the seeds through perforations (30a) in the tubes. The tubes are then removed and the device is carried to the place where the seeds are to be planted.