EXPLAINER
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has stated in one of its research papers that the Assyrians were the first to resort to the toxic pathogen in 660 BC when they used mycotoxin-containing rye ergot (Claviceps purpurea) to contaminate enemy water sources.
China has been accused of unleashing agro-terrorism in the US after federal prosecutors accused two of its nationals of smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen that can be used as an agricultural terrorism weapon. Earlier in 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19, Beijing was accused of releasing the laboratory-grown Coronavirus to test the potential of its future biological weapon. China denied the allegation, which was never proved.
The pathogen allegedly smuggled into the US, has been identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as Fusarium graminearum. It is a fungus classified in scientific literature as a "potential agroterrorism weapon". According to 'Reuters', the Justice Department said in a statement that the fungus causes "head blight" in some crops and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses globally each year.
Confirming the case, the FBI has said in its complaint that Chinese citizen Zunyong Liu smuggled the fungus into the US when he visited his girlfriend, Yunqing Jian, in July 2024. Admitting to smuggling in the fungus, the Chinese researcher said that he had done it so that he could conduct research on it at a University of Michigan laboratory where his girlfriend worked.
Agro-terrorism or agriculture terrorism has been defined as a malicious attempt to disrupt or destroy the agricultural industry and the food supply system of a population through "the malicious use of plant or animal pathogens to cause devastating disease in the agricultural sectors". It is a part of biological warfare, chemical warfare and entomological warfare and may be carried out by non-state actors.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has said in one of its research papers that the Assyrians were the first to use it in 660 BC when they used mycotoxin-containing rye ergot (Claviceps purpurea) to contaminate enemy water sources. In modern times, Germany was the first country to resort to this weapon during World War I when they allegedly used glanders (Burkholderia mallei) and anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) to infect horses. They allegedly used fungi to contaminate food grain stores, intended for supplies to allied forces in Europe.
Agro-terrorism can cause catastrophe in India which has key agricultural states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh sharing their borders with hostile neighbours like Pakistan and China. The DRDO has said in another research paper that a toxic fungus reported in neighboring Bangladesh was found in two districts of West Bengal. The pathogen discovered was Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT), a wheat-blast-causing fungus. However, its spread was contaminated by banning wheat cultivation in the two districts for three years.
There is no report of China smuggling any pathogen to India, but the possibility can not be ruled out. The danger of toxic pathogens being smuggled into India from Pakistan is looming large in the wake of the present India-Pakistan relations.
Iran: Earthquake of magnitude 5.1 strikes country, tremors felt in Tehran amid war with Israel
Summer Solstice 2025: Why June 21 will be longest day, how it's celebrated around world
Man in UK was told his stomach pain was due to stress, he died months later because of...
Iran-Israel War: IDF Chief Zamir issues BIG statement, says, 'Israelis must prepare for...'
International Yoga Day 2025: Date, theme, history, significance and more
This man married and divorced the same woman 4 times within 37 days just to get...
Watch: Ben Stokes' hilarious reaction to Rishabh Pant's boundary goes viral
IND vs ENG: Yashasvi Jaiswal slams century in 1st Test, joins elite list featuring Sachin Tendulkar
SHOCKING!: Ex-RAW head congratulates Pakistan Army chief, praises Asim Munir for...
Uric acid levels too high? Know the causes, symptoms and ways to control
Will you feel ashamed for speaking English? Amit Shah says..., Rahul Gandhi retorts by saying...
Iran Israel War: Tehran takes BIG step for Indian citizens stranded in Iran, allows...
Temba Bavuma suffers BIG setback days after winning WTC final against Australia
Asia’s cleanest village has 94% literacy, It is located in..., not Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Who taught Keshav Mittal? Viral video of NEET AIR 7 topper leaves internet confused
Who fixed Donald Trump-Asim Munir meeting? Know Pakistan-born man who praises Narendra Modi
IND vs ENG: Yograj Singh makes big statement on skipper Shubman Gill over his captaincy debut
'He shouldn't have...': Sachin Tendulkar makes BIG statement on Virat Kohli's Test retirement
Easy weight loss hacks: Can drinking water really help you lose weight? Know what experts suggest
This mantra helps Google CEO Sundar Pichai stay calm under pressure: 'The higher up you...'
Meet Charulata beautiful wife of Rajasthan Royals star, who works as...; know their love story
What is Bazball in cricket? Know everything about highly trending word during IND vs ENG Test series
IND vs ENG: Why are India-England players wearing black armbands on Day 1 in Leeds Test?
Priyanka Chopra says how she lost ‘chunk’ of her eyebrow: 'Could have been my...'
Israel-Iran war: Why did Iran attack Beersheba? Is there any nuclear angle?
Viral: Ramen noodles package comes with THIS deadly warning, video leaves netizens in shock, watch
When Jaya Bachchan slapped Rekha after she saw her with Amitabh Bachchan at..., then…
CSK's MS Dhoni to be replaced by this Rajasthan Royals player in IPL 2026? Here's the truth
Wooden Street Crosses Over 10,000 Sofa Cum Bed Deliveries Across India
Get competitive gold loan interest in Pune with Bajaj Finance
When will US join Israel-Iran War? Donald Trump Says..., Middle East conflict explained in 10 points
EMI Calculator for Personal Loans: A Must-Have Tool Before You Borrow
Air India cancels multiple domestic, international flights due to... Here's the full list
Ram Kapoor breaks his silence on 'fallout' with Ekta Kapoor: 'You cannot forget...'
Is Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) a Good Investment in June 2025? Where and How to Buy This Meme Coin
Salman Khan faces security breach, man tries to... at Sitaare Zameen Par premiere: Watch
Who was Tanya Tyagi? Indian student dies in Canada due to..., here's what we know so far
Australia announce major changes in team for 1st Test against West Indies: Check full squad