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)