Walnut Creek, Calif.—Dr. Richard Smart, author of Sunlight into Wine, has joined Agrothermal Systems as a consultant to further develop the company’s Thermaculture process of treating vines with hot air. Smart is a regular contributor to Practical Vineyard & Winery Management, which is published inside Wines & Vines, the author of hundreds of academic articles and holds two doctorate degrees. 

“The effect of hot air movement through the canopy appears to have significant effects on both disease control and flowering and fruit development as the company has seen in numerous trials,” he said in a statement released by Agrothermal. “The concept of instantaneous heat shock is a true innovation. How the plant reacts and our ability to manipulate this response is another fascinating area of study and potential crop management, for wine grapes and other agricultural plants.”