Improved capacity for integrated disease management for couch smut

Couch smut (Ustilago cynoditis) is a type of fungus that infects green couch grass (Cynodon dactylon), the most widely planted turf in sporting facilities, public parks, backyards and school ovals around Australia. This project aims to develop an improved integrated disease management plan for couch smut for the Australian turf industry. Its activities include research to better understand the fungus that causes the disease, including its distribution and transmission, as well as the evaluation of fungicides for its control, and a look at potentially resistant couch varieties and hybrids.