PATS-Cast is here: AI that tells growers when pests will strike.

PATS-C is great at detecting moths. But let’s be honest, the larvae cause the real damage. And in most cases it’s also the stage where biological control is most effective. The key is timing. That’s where the new PATS-Cast forecasting algorithm comes in.

Delft, June 11th 2025 - PATS launches PATS-Cast, an AI forecasting tool that alerts growers exactly when caterpillars will hatch. Built on the PATS-C monitoring platform, this new feature marks a breakthrough. PATS-Cast transforms raw pest insect activity data into clear and timely forecasts, allowing growers to act right on time, before crop damage occurs. It will be rolled out to all PATS-C users in the coming days.

By predicting when a new generation of larvae will emerge, PATS-Cast supercharges biological control. Growers can potentially deploy nematodes, parasitic wasps, biological insecticides or other solutions at the precise moment they will have the biggest impact. No unnecessary treatments, no wasted costs, just well-timed, effective intervention. The result: fewer outbreaks, healthier crops, and more control with less stress.

“It gives peace of mind, I now know much sooner what to expect. And I don’t have to rely as much on gut feeling.” Daan van den Bosch - Bosch Komkommers

Figure 1 - PATS-Cast in action. The PATS-C dashboard shows the activity of the Tomato looper moth (Chrysodeixis chalcites) over time. During the first generation in April - with low moth activity - the first larval outbreak was predicted, but not confirmed (x). In the second generation in May - with a strong increase in adult activity - the second larval outbreak was predicted and confirmed by the user (✓). The third and fourth larval outbreaks have been predicted but have not yet been validated (?) by the user.

Shift in how growers work

PATS-Cast removes uncertainty. With targeted alerts, it helps plan scouting and spraying, optimize labor, and target control where it matters most. Instead of responding after the fact, growers can now prevent problems altogether. With forecasts linked to the PATS dashboard and PATS- Kalendar, growers are guided through every step, from observation to intervention and evaluation. A feedback loop that enables constant optimization of the pest management strategy. This shift unlocks the potential of fully biological pest control.

PATS-Cast has been validated in tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and gerbera. The first version supports the Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites), and is tailored to the grower’s greenhouse. The forecast becomes more accurate over time through continuity and user feedback.

“Our team across several greenhouses was positively surprised by how accurate the forecast is. They see real value in this.” Dutch tomato grower

Figure 2 - PATS-Cast helps growers prevent caterpillars ruining their crops

Interactive today, even smarter tomorrow

PATS-Cast is designed to scale. It will soon support more pest species, in more crops, all powered by the same predictive logic. The platform learns from real-time data and grower input, adapting to each greenhouse and crop type through continuous model improvement. It’s not just about predicting pest pressure. PATS-Cast helps close the loop: monitor activity, plan and log interventions, evaluate results, and refine strategies. With shared insights across growers, it unlocks best practices and smarter biological control. Growers already rely on PATS-C for monitoring. With PATS-Cast, they can now look ahead, and grow with confidence.

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