BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Excessive rainfall and increasing plant hoppers are threatening China's rice crop, and 1.2 million hectares of paddy field have been invaded in south China, up 40 percent over the same 2006 period.

    The plant hoppers flew from overseas to the rice-rich southern areas 10 to 15 days earlier than last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

    The proportion of affected paddy fields rose significantly higher than last year with some areas reaching 40 percent, said the ministry.

    By May 30, the pests had attacked fifteen cities and provinces in south China.

    China National Climate Center (CNCC) estimated the plant hopper would become more fertile as a result of high temperature and excessive rain in June.

    The ministry has urged concerned departments to watch closely at the pest attack and report in time. Meanwhile, the ministry asked local media to publicize pest control knowledge for farmers.