PANDORA'S BOX IN DRUG WAR

To the Editor:

Biological control of undesired plants is indeed a promising field of
research ("Drug War Awaits Attack of Killer Fungus," July 18). Applications
that deserve serious consideration include the removal of noxious weeds
from farms and ranches and the control of nonnative plants that invade a
fragile ecosystem.

But there are many questions that should be answered before a virulent,
persistent and broad-spectrum soil-borne disease is introduced into any
environment. The effect on nontarget species is foremost among these.

Those who seek to release the plant pathogenic fungus fusarium to eradicate
coca in Colombia should expect as an almost certain consequence that the
coca producers would resort to application of soil fumigants and fungicides
to save their profitable crops.

Soil-borne diseases, like the many species of fusarium that attack
agricultural crops, are very difficult for farmers to control, resulting in
the use of some of the most toxic materials in the agricultural arsenal,
including methyl bromide and chloropicrin.

Those who grow illegal crops may care little about such environmental
impacts and legal restrictions on pesticides. But this could lead to the
widespread use of persistent chemicals outlawed in the United States or
targeted for international phase-out.

This "solution" is shortsighted and potentially dangerous.

Emily Brown Rosen, Pennington, N.J.