CATT Treatment

CATT stands for Controlled Atmosphere Temperature Treatment and was developed to combat strawberry mites. Using specific temperatures, air compositions, and humidity levels, this environmentally friendly method is used to control pests on various plants.

Van Acht Logistics is a specialized and recognized CATT treatment facility. It is an environmentally friendly treatment method against pests in plants developed by Wageningen University & Research centre –WUR-. In a separate department within our company, plants are treated with a combination of specific temperatures, air compositions, and humidity levels. Besides being suitable as a treatment method to make plant material pest-free, it is also used as a quarantine treatment for import and export.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The plants undergo treatment in a gas-tight chamber for a certain period. The treatment consists of a combination of elevated temperature and specific air conditions, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the air. No chemical substances are used in this process. The CATT method is safe to use and poses no risk to humans, animals, or the environment. Additional factors such as humidity and packaging can also be part of the treatment process. For hygiene reasons, CATT treatments are conducted in a separate department within the company.

INNOVATIVE & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

For each pest-crop combination, the right combination of air composition, temperature, and treatment duration is determined. The CATT method has proven effective in combating strawberry mites in strawberry propagation material. Therefore, the method offers significant value for propagation companies.

ADVANTAGES OF CATT:

• Environmentally friendly form of pest control
• No chemical substances are used
• CATT can be used both as a treatment and as a preventive measure
• Low risk of resistance
• No legal approval required, allowing for quick application

PERSPECTIVE FOR ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

Plants vary in their response to a CATT treatment. However, there is clear potential for further developing CATT for several crops. Wageningen UR, HAS Den Bosch, and Van Acht Koel & Vriesopslag are currently exploring possibilities and the right formula for pest control in ornamental horticulture. Wageningen UR is researching the right balance, while HAS Den Bosch and Van Acht are closely involved in conducting experiments. The CATT department at Van Acht creates experimental setups following provided procedures. The CATT method has already proven successful for strawberry propagation material. In ornamental horticulture, positive results have been achieved for several crops, with little to no negative impact on plant vitality.