Couch smut (Ustilago cynoditis: Leif Forsberg, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

University of Queensland researchers are working on a new project to keep smut off our playing fields; but it’s not the kind of smut that first comes to mind.

24 January 2019
A team of UQ-led plant scientists has discovered that the Pinot Noir grape variety owes a significant part of its genetic heritage to ancient plant viruses. Photo: iStock

Next time you pour a glass of wine, raise a toast to the 30-million-year-old viruses that have contributed to the genetic make-up of modern grapes.

12 November 2014