Methods and Results: Spores of the fungi were exposed to solutions containing up to 30% (v/v) ethanol at 25–
50C for 30 s, then their survival was determined by germination on semisolid media. Logistical, second-order
surface-response models were prepared for each fungus. Subinhibitory ethanol concentrations at ambient
temperatures became inhibitory when heated at temperatures much lower than those that cause thermal destruction
of the spores by water alone. At 40C, the estimated ethanol concentrations that inhibited the germination of 50%
(LD50) of the spores of B. cinerea, A. alternata, A. niger and R. stolonifer were 9Æ7, 13Æ5, 19Æ6 and 20Æ6%, respectively.
Conclusions: Ethanol and heat combinations were synergistic. Control of spores of these fungi could be
accomplished with much lower temperatures and ethanol concentrations when combined compared with either used
alone. Botrytis cinerea and A. alternata were less resistant to the combination than A. niger or R. stolonifer.