Excessive rainfall and a growing number of plant hoppers are posing a very real threat to China's rice crop, with 1.2 million hectares of rice paddies already invaded in southern China, up 40 percent from the same period last year.

The plant hoppers reached China's shores from overseas a full two weeks earlier than last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. This has come as a double-blow along with the higher proportion of paddy fields battling the insect invasion.

By May 30, fifteen cities and provinces in south China reported infestations.

China National Climate Center (CNCC) also estimated that plant hopper numbers would increase in June as a result of high temperatures and frequent rainfall. The relevant departments have been on high alert, monitoring and reporting any instances of pest attack. Furthermore, local media have been tasked with spreading pest control information to farmers.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2007)