The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) is warning of severe pest outbreaks this spring which could threaten crops throughout the country.

CMA experts said Wednesday, temperatures in most regions of China were on average higher than the normal level since December, thus creating hotbeds for locust, corn larva, and aphid to breed.

Particularly at risk is wheat producing regions in north China.

CMA experts said excessive fertilization and irrigation should be avoided.

(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2009)