SCIENTISTS, WHO ARE WORKING TO ELIMINATE A FUNGUS (THAT INFECTS VARIOUS MONTEREY COUNTY CROPS), HAVE RECEIVED A 4-YEAR, 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT. THE MONEY COMES FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. REPORTEDLY IMPORTED SPINACH SEEDS HAVE CARRIED THE FUNGUS TO VARIOUS KINDS OF LETTUCES AND STRAWBERRIES.