Development of effective, efficient and reliable hot water treatments

Collaborative research revealed factors influencing grapevine-cutting responses to 500C/30min hot water treatment (HWT). Cutting respiration measurement detected changing dormancy states. Variety and source area parameters influenced cutting performance. Cutting dehydration, over-hydration (>8h), poor water sanitation, poor hygiene and source area moisture stress may impinge on cutting performance following HWT. Hydration and HWT effects on cuttings persisted during early development, but were moderated by good nursery management. Post-HWT cold storage conditions and storage bag ventilation were critical. A bar code system tracked nursery processes. Industry collaboration, workshops and revision of AVIA & VINA HWT protocols optimised industry adoption and information relevance.