Equipment

PATS’ data-driven approach is also helping reveal regional and national pest patterns. (Image credit: PATS)

Growers across the world are set to step into 2026 with a powerful new advantage: earlier and more accurate detection of four major moth pests, thanks to an upgraded PATS-C monitoring model.

From the start of the year, users of this cutting-edge system will gain faster insight into early pest pressure, enabling them to intervene long before caterpillar damage takes hold an increasingly vital capability as chemical control options become more restricted.

The newly enhanced model is the result of years of intensive data collection combined with invaluable on-the-ground feedback from growers. PATS has built this breakthrough on over half a million recorded insect flights and more than 12,000 minutes of visual reference data across eight key crops, including tomato, bell pepper and gerbera. Each report of a false positive helps refine the system further, and with hundreds of companies worldwide contributing standardised data, the accuracy continues to strengthen for the entire industry.

At the core of the upgrade is the ability of PATS-C to capture the unique flight paths of each moth, generating precise biometrics that allow the model to differentiate between pest species with remarkable accuracy. The update specifically supports early identification of four of the most economically damaging pests: Tomato looper moth (Chrysodeixis chalcites), Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) and Banana moth (Opogona sacchari). These pests threaten vegetables, fruit crops and ornamentals globally making accurate detection essential for preventing damaging outbreaks.

With PATS-C already deployed in more than twenty countries, this update marks a major step forward for global crop protection and greenhouse pest management. The timing could not be more significant: from 1 January 2026, growers will face tighter restrictions on crop protection products, reducing the availability and flexibility of chemical solutions. In this landscape, early detection and real-time monitoring become critical tools for maintaining healthy crops.

The new model also strengthens predictive capabilities. Integrated with PATS-Vinder, the system can forecast the appearance of the first caterpillars up to seven days before hatching. This allows growers to plan labour, biological controls and interventions with pinpoint accuracy something traditional pheromone traps simply cannot achieve. Many early pest generations slip through unnoticed using older tools, often leading to severe outbreaks later in the season.

PATS’ data-driven approach is also helping reveal regional and national pest patterns. As Bram Tijmons from PATS said,"A significant moment occurred on the first real hot night of 2025, when large numbers of Tomato loopers entered nearly all monitored greenhouses across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. This enabled us to send highly targeted warnings to vegetable growers. The response was remarkable: both users and non-users immediately recognised the first signs of increased pressure and were able to act accordingly."

New PATS-C users will begin with the upgraded system immediately, while existing users will transition gradually, with all installations updated by early January. With stronger forecasting, real-time insights, and earlier alerts, growers now have a powerful, sustainable tool to stay one step ahead of moth pests throughout 2026 and beyond.

Quantum clear transforms airborne pathogen control. (Image credit: DDH)

Due Diligence Horticulture (DDH) has unveiled Quantum Clear, a new range of cold plasma devices designed to combat the persistent problem of airborne pathogens in controlled environment agriculture.

Whether cultivating cannabis, ornamentals, or fresh produce, growers constantly contend with mould, bacteria and other threats particularly in humid rooms or tightly packed storage spaces. DDH’s latest innovation aims to change that balance.

Over the last two years, the company has worked closely with an industrial plasma specialist to adapt cold plasma systems specifically for horticultural and agricultural settings. The result is a suite of Quantum Clear (QC) units engineered for grow rooms, HVAC systems, cold storage, and shipping containers.

Travis Higginbotham of DDH explains that the technology already had a legacy in other industries, but needed refinement for plant environments. "We worked through two full years of design and testing so the equipment could function inside grow facilities, centralized HVAC systems, shipping trailers, and cold rooms," he says. That development period included USDA fruit trials, extensive third-party air-quality analysis on 50 pathogens, and pilot projects with large cannabis and ornamental producers.

A key advantage is that this plasma field does not generate ozone an issue that has hindered some older plasma approaches. The QC units carry both UL and CARB certifications, confirming that they are safe for plants and for staff working within indoor facilities.

The system is straightforward by design. Air is drawn through the device, passes through an energised plasma zone, and emerges treated. In that field, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species—such as hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide form naturally and break down airborne pathogens and volatile organic compounds. As Travis puts it, "The idea is to create a field in the environment that breaks down cell walls and alters the structure of certain compounds."

Fruit storage and shipping have been an early proving ground. "The combination of darkness, low temperatures, humidity, and tightly packed produce creates ideal conditions for mold," he notes. USDA trials on bananas, tomatoes, apples, and strawberries found that cold-plasma-treated shipments retained firmness and showed virtually no visible mould.

Importantly, DDH focused on ensuring safety for both crops and growers. Even at double or triple application intensity, "we did not see negative effects," Travis says. Some trials even hinted at neutral or improved yields. For cannabis operators, the technology offers a potential solution to airborne contaminants linked to compliance failures, including aspergillus. A recent grower trial showed a 90% drop in aspergillus counts within just four days.

QC devices are standalone, easy to install, and available in multiple sizes and voltages. There are no subscription costs, and financing options are provided. Across all trials, DDH reports an average pathogen reduction of 87.2% within a week, rising to 95%+ during continuous month-long operation. As Travis explains, "The focus is getting the technology in growers hands through our trial program and building confidence that QC is the solution they have been waiting for."

ReinCloud 3 integration can transform digital farm management. (Image credit: CloudX)

Reinke Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading producers of centre pivot irrigation systems, has strengthened its strategic alliance with CropX Technologies through a major new integration designed to simplify and modernise digital farm management.

The two companies have unveiled a unified platform experience that connects the full suite of CropX agronomic data directly into Reinke’s ReinCloud 3 system, offering farmers a seamless, single-location interface for all essential operational insights.

This next phase of collaboration removes one of the biggest frustrations farmers face switching between multiple digital dashboards. With the integration in place, growers can now view all CropX data streams directly inside ReinCloud 3, meaning that soil moisture, weather conditions, agronomic analytics and pivot management controls can finally be accessed in one streamlined platform. The result is a more intuitive, efficient approach to farm monitoring and irrigation decisions.

The connectivity between CropX and ReinCloud 3 is fully secure and highly detailed. CropX sensors now appear directly on the ReinCloud 3 map with exact placement data, enabling farmers to navigate their fields digitally with complete clarity. The integration supports the entire CropX portfolio, including soil moisture probes, evapotranspiration (ET) data, rain gauges and localised weather station insights. By presenting this information in a single interface, growers gain a clearer understanding of field conditions, helping them make better-informed and timely decisions.

Importantly, the flow of information moves both ways. In addition to bringing CropX insights into ReinCloud, the system allows Reinke’s as-applied irrigation data to feed automatically into the CropX platform. This supports agronomic service providers with accurate data for crop modelling, record-keeping, compliance, nutrient planning and broader farm reporting tasks. The exchange significantly improves data accuracy for irrigation scheduling and agronomy recommendations.

To mark the launch of this enhanced integration, Reinke is currently offering a free CropX sensor with every new irrigation system, ensuring that customers immediately benefit from high-quality soil and crop intelligence from their first day in the field. This initiative reinforces the companies’ shared goal of connecting machine performance with agronomic insights to create more responsive and efficient farming operations.

“We’re building technology that works together seamlessly because that’s what modern farming demands,” says Chris Roth, President of Reinke Manufacturing. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to making growers’ lives easier through smart innovation.”

“CropX brings together soil sensing, satellite imagery, irrigation management, disease prediction, nutrient management, and yield forecasting, all powered by AI and machine learning,” says Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies. “Now, farmers can access this complete agronomic intelligence directly where they’re already working, making better decisions faster.”

Since forming their partnership in 2021, Reinke and CropX have remained focused on delivering integrated, farmer-friendly solutions. Both companies plan to expand platform integration even further, continuing their mission to remove complexity from digital agriculture and deliver smarter, data-driven farm management.

XAG’s latest innovations signal the continued evolution of connected & autonomous farming technology. (Image credit: XAG)

XAG’s new R Series Agricultural Rover, a ground-based robotic platform designed to transform crop protection and material handling for orchard, vineyard, and greenhouse growers.

As a recognised leader in agricultural robotics, XAG used the event to highlight how automation, machine intelligence, and connected systems are reshaping modern farming. The company’s portfolio on show included lightweight rovers, tractor autopilot consoles, smart irrigation technology, fertigation solutions, and IoT monitoring tools. Together, these systems demonstrated a practical shift towards data-driven, resource-efficient agriculture that reduces labour demands and improves consistency across fields.

The newly launched R Series Agricultural Rover is built to act as a smart co-pilot for growers managing high-value speciality crops. Compact, fully electric, and engineered for tight or uneven terrain, the rover provides a reliable solution where traditional tractors struggle to operate. It is purpose-built for orchards, vineyards, tunnel houses, and greenhouses, where narrow rows and dense canopies demand precision over brute force.

Two distinct models make up the R Series.

The R100 Agricultural Rover is tailored for greenhouse and vegetable production, featuring a 120-litre tank, four-wheel drive, and two high-speed JetSprayers for accurate and efficient application in confined growing environments.

The larger R200 Agricultural Rover carries a 240-litre tank, six-wheel drive, and four JetSprayers, making it suitable for orchards and vineyards where extended range and capacity are essential.

Each rover is built with an all-aluminium chassis and a suspended portal axle, ensuring stability on sloped or uneven ground. The JetSprayer technology produces droplets between 60 and 200 microns, providing uniform coverage while reducing both water usage and chemical input.

Farmers control the rover through the SRC 5 Smart Remote Controller, equipped with a responsive touchscreen, dual joysticks, FPV live view, and XLink connectivity. This allows operators to remain a safe distance from chemicals while maintaining full oversight of the machine’s movements.

The onboard system supports a suite of intelligent features including Cruise Mode, Path Tracking, and Repeat Mode aimed at simplifying repetitive daily tasks. With RealTerra mapping and AI-assisted safety, the rover can detect obstacles, assess its surroundings, and adjust its route in real time, reducing risk while improving operational accuracy.

With labour shortages placing pressure on many speciality crop farms, the R Series is positioned as a practical solution to minimise physical workloads and support more reliable, predictable field operations. Its modular, expandable design allows growers to add attachments for weeding, material transport, and other tasks, turning it into a flexible assistant for year-round use.

Alongside the rover, XAG presented the APC2 Series AutoPilot Console, which delivers automated steering to small and mid-sized tractors. Able to achieve centimetre-level navigation accuracy, the system reduces fuel usage and operator fatigue and can be installed within minutes without replacing the tractor’s steering wheel.

The company also highlighted its smart fertigation and IoT systems, allowing farmers to control irrigation and nutrient delivery remotely. With electric valves, fertiliser injectors, and local network support, these systems ensure stable connectivity and secure data management even in regions with poor mobile coverage.

XAG’s latest innovations signal the continued evolution of connected, autonomous farming technology designed to help growers reduce costs, use fewer resources, and improve crop quality with greater precision.

this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers. (Image credit: Van der Waay)

Van der Waay has unveiled its latest innovation, the Top Cleaner V, a fully autonomous roof-cleaning and coating machine designed to replace the long-standing Safety Cart.

According to the company, this new model marks a major leap forward in greenhouse maintenance, offering improved safety, usability, and flexibility for growers.

Unlike its predecessor, the Top Cleaner V operates entirely on its own, removing the need for an operator to travel along with the machine. It moves through a single gutter, making it compatible with greenhouses of different peak heights and roof designs. With just one button, growers can send the machine to the far end of the greenhouse, where it automatically turns around and returns, neatly retracting the water hose as it goes.

The Top Cleaner V is built from a series of modular components, allowing growers to customise it to match their exact workflows. Whether the job involves brushing glass from ridge to gutter, applying greenhouse coatings, or cleaning gutters, the machine can be configured for any combination of tasks. This makes it a versatile, future-proof solution suitable for a wide range of greenhouse types and operational needs.

Growers can choose from specialised brush sets designed for different peak sizes, a dedicated gutter brush for fast gutter cleaning, and spray booms for accurate coating application. Optional features include a remote-control system for safe ground-level operation, a service platform for smooth movement along the greenhouse façade, a high-pressure pump for water supply, and a portable generator for complete energy autonomy.

Safety has been a key priority in the development of the Top Cleaner V. All rotating parts are fully enclosed, and the machine is designed for easy access when maintenance is required. It can also be placed on a service platform to move conveniently from one peak to the next, provided the greenhouse façade is equipped with a rail system.

Key technical details include a 230 V power supply (compatible with a portable generator), adjustable operating speeds of up to 20 metres per minute, a hose reel that holds approximately 200 metres of ½-inch hose, and a maximum machine weight of around 285 kg depending on configuration. The machine has a wheelbase of 150 cm, offering stability during operation.

Van der Waay highlights the Top Cleaner V’s competitive pricing and high efficiency, noting that the machine can pay for itself quickly. Even a 1% increase in light transmission inside the greenhouse leads directly to a 1% rise in crop production, making clean, well-maintained glass essential for growers aiming to boost yields.

Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield. (Image credit: Waboost)

Waboost has unveiled a new Rent-to-Buy programme designed to give farmers and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) operators easier access to its advanced nanobubble technology.

The scheme allows agricultural businesses to rent Waboost’s Gea 1, Gea 10, and Gea 20 machines on a monthly basis, gradually moving towards full ownership without the burden of a large upfront payment.

By lowering the financial barriers, Waboost aims to make nanobubble-enhanced irrigation and root-zone oxygenation far more accessible to growers seeking to improve yield, crop health, and nutrient uptake. The monthly rental cost covers each machine individually and includes full technical support and warranty protection. Users also have the flexibility to expand their system over time or upgrade to Smart models featuring integrated automation and data insights.

“Farmers are being pushed to achieve higher water efficiency and productivity while managing tight budgets,” explained Bostjan Veronik, Waboost CEO. “This Rent-to-Buy option lets them benefit from the advantages of nanobubble technology without committing to high capital expenditure from the start.”

Nanobubbles are known to improve oxygen transfer, minimise biofilm build-up, and enhance nutrient absorption — essential factors for hydroponic, aquaponic, vertical farming, and high-performance soil systems. Waboost’s Gea series helps growers achieve stronger root development, faster growth rates, and lower chemical usage.

The Rent-to-Buy scheme is now open to greenhouse growers, vertical farms, and open-field producers across Europe and other participating regions, giving more agricultural businesses the opportunity to adopt next-generation water and oxygenation technology.