Chinese fungus could devastate entire US agriculture: China accused of 'agroterrorism' in US

34-year-old Zunyong Liu was caught in July 2024 upon arrival at Detroit airport in the US with a fungus in his luggage. The Chinese scientist claimed he wanted to study the fungus at the University of Michigan, where his girlfriend works. But according to US authorities, they had different intentions.

The two Chinese scientists have now been charged with smuggling a dangerous biological weapon. According to the indictment, electronic communication between the two made it clear that their intentions were not as claimed. The Chinese couple is being prosecuted for conspiracy, smuggling, forgery, and visa fraud.

The fungus in question is Fusarium graminearum, which is described in scientific literature as a potential weapon for agroterrorism. This fungus could cause a disease in crops that has the potential to result in billions of dollars in economic losses annually.

(SR - Source: NBC - Illustration: ©Unsplash)