Invasive species and agricultural blights pose significant threats to the United States’ ecosystems, agriculture, and economy. Many of these pests and pathogens, some originating from China, have been introduced either accidentally through global trade or, in rare cases, potentially intentionally. This article explores key examples, including the recently smuggled Fusarium graminearum fungus, citrus greening, the spotted lanternfly, invasive vines, mysterious seed shipments, and other notable threats, while examining the possibility of biological warfare and the broader implications.
1. Fusarium graminearum: The Recently Smuggled Fungus
In June 2025, U.S. federal prosecutors charged two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a fungal pathogen, into the United States through Detroit Metropolitan Airport. This fungus causes Fusarium head blight (FHB), or “head scab,” a devastating disease affecting wheat, barley, maize, and rice. It shrivels grains, reduces yields, and produces mycotoxins like deoxynivalenol (DON), known as “vomit toxin,” which can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in humans and livestock. Globally, it’s linked to billions of dollars in annual economic losses, with U.S. wheat and barley crops losing approximately $1 billion yearly.
New… I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country.
The individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called "Fusarium graminearum," which is an…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 3, 2025
While scientific literature has classified Fusarium graminearum as a potential agroterrorism weapon, experts note it’s already prevalent in the U.S., likely originating in North America and spreading globally via grain trade. The smuggling case raised alarm, with prosecutors citing “gravest national security concerns” and noting Jian’s alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party and government funding for her research. However, plant pathologists like Caitlyn Allen from the University of Wisconsin-Madison argue it’s not a top agroterrorism threat, as it’s widespread and not on the USDA’s select agent list. The intent—whether academic research at the University of Michigan or something more sinister—remains debated, with no conclusive evidence of biological warfare.
2. Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing)
Citrus greening, or Huanglongbing (HLB), is one of the most destructive diseases affecting citrus worldwide. Caused by unculturable phloem-limited bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, among others), it originated in China and is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), also native to Asia. First detected in Florida in 2005, HLB has devastated the U.S. citrus industry, particularly in Florida, where production dropped from over 200 million boxes annually in the 1990s and early 2000s to just 20 million boxes of oranges, 1.8 million boxes of grapefruit, and 600,000 boxes of specialty fruit in the 2022-2023 season—the smallest crop since 1929-1930.
The huanglongbing blight from China has destroyed most of Florida’s citrus groves. There is no cure. All the land in this video was an orange grove whose trees were killed by the blight. pic.twitter.com/CO7BRCH8LS
— J Michael Waller (@JMichaelWaller) February 23, 2023
Symptoms include misshapen, discolored fruit, reduced yields, and eventual tree death. The psyllid likely arrived via imported plants or goods, an accidental introduction tied to global trade. In California, where HLB was confirmed in 2012, strict quarantines and pesticide treatments aim to protect the industry, but costs have soared. There’s no evidence of intentional release, though the disease’s origin in China and rapid spread highlight vulnerabilities in biosecurity.
3. Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a striking planthopper native to China, was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, likely introduced via egg masses on imported goods. It has since spread to 15 states, including New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, with significant populations in the Northeast. This invasive pest feeds on over 70 plant species, with a preference for the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), itself an invasive species from China. It targets crops like grapes, apples, and stone fruits, excreting honeydew that fosters sooty mold, disrupts photosynthesis, and damages plant health.
Spotted Lanternfly range
How it started (2019) How it's going pic.twitter.com/LUGGH2j05Q
— Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) June 28, 2024
The economic toll is substantial: Pennsylvania alone faces potential annual losses of $99 million in agriculture and $236 million in forestry, with up to 4,987 jobs at risk if unchecked. Control efforts include quarantines, public reporting, and research into biological controls like fungal pathogens and parasitoid wasps from China. While accidental introduction via trade is the consensus, the rapid spread—mirroring its expansion in South Korea after 2004—underscores the challenge of containment.
4. Invasive Vines
Several invasive vines from China have also impacted U.S. ecosystems and agriculture. One prominent example is kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), often dubbed “the vine that ate the South.” Introduced from China and Japan in the late 19th century for erosion control and forage, it has spread across the southeastern U.S., smothering native plants, trees, and crops. Growing up to a foot per day, kudzu costs millions annually in control efforts and damages forestry and farmland by blocking sunlight and weakening hosts.
All about Kudzu, the vine that ate the south. An invasive species of plant that has taken hold in much of the East Tennessee region. pic.twitter.com/11eISLZuCt
— Smoky Mountains Enjoyer 🪕 🌄 (@AdmiralBoreal) February 11, 2023
Another concern is Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), introduced as an ornamental plant. It escapes cultivation, overtaking forests, roadsides, and fields, outcompeting native species and strangling trees. These vines likely entered accidentally via the horticultural trade, not as deliberate acts, but their ecological and agricultural harm is undeniable, with control costs straining local and state budgets.
5. Mysterious Seed Shipments from China
Beginning in mid-2020, thousands of Americans across all 50 states reported receiving unsolicited packages of seeds from China, often labeled as jewelry, toys, or accessories like “rose stud earrings” to evade biosecurity checks. The USDA identified 14 varieties, including mustard, cabbage, morning glory, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, hibiscus, and roses—seemingly harmless plants. However, some packets contained seeds of noxious weeds like amaranth, a “yield robber” for soybeans, banned in states like Indiana. Others, like the Indian lotus, identified in Texas in 2025, are invasive and could harm native ecosystems if planted.
Okay this is getting weird. Residents in Washington, Utah, Virginia, Louisiana, Ohio and Kansas received seeds sent from China. The only problem? They never ordered seeds. The US is now warning people not to plant the seeds and to contact local authorities if you receive them. 👀 pic.twitter.com/xx3VlppQ7m
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 27, 2020
The USDA concluded these were likely part of a “brushing scam,” where sellers ship cheap items to random addresses, then post fake reviews as “verified buyers” to boost online ratings. China’s Foreign Ministry claimed mailing labels were forged, and China Post cooperated with the U.S. Postal Service for investigation. Despite this explanation, the shipments fueled conspiratorial speculation of nefarious intent. Theories ranged from bioterrorism—introducing invasive species, pathogens, or diseases—to a trial run for disrupting U.S. agriculture. Social media posts on X and news reports amplified fears, with some linking the seeds to tensions over trade, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Chinese land ownership in the U.S. No evidence confirms malicious intent, but the 2025 resurgence of mystery packages in Texas, Alabama, and New Mexico, containing seeds and sometimes liquids, reignited concerns. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged caution, warning of biosecurity risks and potential environmental or agricultural damage.
6. Other Notable Invasive Pests and Blights
Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis): Native to China, this wood-boring beetle was first detected in the U.S. in 1996 in New York, likely arriving via wooden packing materials. It attacks hardwood trees like maple, birch, and elm, threatening forests and the maple syrup industry. Eradication efforts have cost hundreds of millions, with no evidence of intentional release.
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis): Originating from China and eastern Asia, this beetle, detected in Michigan in 2002, has killed millions of ash trees across the U.S. Likely introduced via shipping crates, it costs billions in tree removal, treatment, and lost timber value. Accidental introduction is the accepted pathway.
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima): While not a pest or blight, this invasive tree from China, introduced in the 18th century, supports pests like the spotted lanternfly. It outcompetes native plants, disrupting ecosystems and aiding other invasives.
Accidental Introductions vs. Biological Warfare
Most of these species and pathogens likely entered the U.S. accidentally through global trade—hiding in shipping crates, packing materials, or imported plants. The rise in trade with China over decades has increased such risks, with the USDA estimating over 6,500 non-native species established in the U.S. However, the Fusarium graminearum smuggling case and mysterious seed shipments have fueled speculation about biological warfare. U.S. authorities highlighted the fungus’s potential as an agroterrorism weapon, and concerns about Chinese nationals’ motives, government funding, and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party have raised eyebrows. The unsolicited seeds, arriving amid U.S.-China tensions over trade, the pandemic, and geopolitics, added fuel to the conspiratorial fire, with some on X and beyond suggesting China aims to undermine U.S. agriculture or test biosecurity weaknesses.
I remember when i lived in NC and people were saying that seeds were being sent to their houses that they didn’t order & were being instructed from authorities to throw em out because they were sent from China to cause harm.
Years later, this comes to light.
— W I Z A R D (@tweetsofWIZARD) June 4, 2025
No definitive evidence supports intentional introduction of these pests or blights as biological warfare. Agroterrorism—deliberately targeting food security—is a recognized concern, but experts like those cited by ABC News argue Fusarium graminearum’s prevalence and natural spread make it an unlikely weapon. The seed shipments align with brushing scams, not bioterrorism, per the USDA. Still, the ownership of U.S. farmland by Chinese entities—though a small fraction of total acreage—amplifies fears about vulnerabilities in food supply chains.
Impacts and Responses
The economic, ecological, and social impacts are staggering. Invasive pests and blights cost the U.S. billions annually—$1.5 billion for feral hogs (though not from China), hundreds of millions for the spotted lanternfly, and billions for citrus greening and Fusarium losses. They threaten crops, forests, and biodiversity, weaken trees, and disrupt industries like wine, fruit, and timber. Public nuisances, like lanternfly swarms, also affect quality of life.
The U.S. response includes quarantines, public education, and biological controls. The USDA, state agriculture departments, and researchers deploy fungicides, pesticides, and natural enemies like parasitoid wasps. Citizens are urged to report sightings, inspect vehicles, and destroy egg masses. However, gaps in biosecurity, trade oversight, and rapid response remain challenges, with mysterious seed shipments highlighting the need for tighter controls and public awareness.