US expert warns of possible agroterrorism threat from China, citing a toxic fungus smuggled into the US. Agricultural experts disagree, saying fungus is already widespread and poses little risk.

According to the FBI, Liu had small baggies of the fungus stashed in his backpack when he flew to the US last year. After claiming ignorance about the plant material inside them, he said he was planning to use them for research at a University of Michigan lab where Jian worked.