Use of hot water thermotherapy to control grapevine wood pathogens

Thermotherapy effectively controls grapevine wood pathogens such as *Eimerodiplodia copropus*, *Phylloxera*, *Agrobacterium vitis*, and *Phomopsis viticola* at 50–54°C with minimal phytotoxicity. In vitro studies show *Botryosphaeria dothidea* and *Neofusicoccum* spp. tolerate up to 53°C for 45 minutes. Optimal treatment at 53°C for 30 minutes requires careful management to prevent damage. Pre-treatment hydration is discouraged due to pathogen risk; post-treatment cold water immersion (30 min) and oxygenated storage reduce stress and toxic byproducts. Ventilated storage prevents anaerobic decay. Timing post-callus formation or pre-sale minimizes recontamination. Treated plants show no productivity differences vs. controls. Despite proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness, adoption is limited by logistical challenges and mortality concerns. Thermotherapy is a vital alternative to unreliable chemical or biological treatments with no current substitutes.