FUNGUS THAT MIGHT KILL DRUG PLANTS IS STUDIED

Government researchers are testing a fungus they believe will kill
narcotics plants without harming other crops or animal life, a potential
break-through aimed at cutting foreign production of illegal drugs headed
for the United States.

Congress has approved $23 million for further research into what are known
as "mycoherbicides," soil-borne fungi capable of eradicating plants that
provide the raw material for cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

Skeptics say more testing must be done to prove the effectiveness and
safety of the technology, and winning the support of drug-producing South
American countries won't be easy.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski