What is Fusarium graminearum, the fungus a Chinese scientist pleaded guilty to smuggling into the US?

By: Tom W. Allen, Mississippi State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 12, 2025

Words: 1,168

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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By Tom W. Allen, Mississippi State University

A Chinese plant scientist at the University of Michigan who drew national attention in June 2025 when she was arrested and accused of smuggling a crop-damaging fungus into the U.S. pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2025, to charges of smuggling and making false statements to the FBI. Under her plea agreement, Yunqing Jian, 33, was sentenced to time served and expected to be deported.

Her arrest …

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