Locations of the Arkansas Rice Performance Trials conducted in 1998. Ratings for stink bug, kernel smut and other reasons for rice kernel discoloration are listed in Table 2 . The most recent disease ratings for each variety are listed in Table 3 . Limited information for a potential new variety called R U 9601053 is included in this data. Table 9 contains information concerning release, pedigree and highlights of many rice varieties.
Rice diseases are an important aspect of varietal selection.
The two major rice diseases in Arkansas are blast and sheath blight. The use of a resistant or tolerant variety is the first line of defense and normally produces the highest net returns. False smut was found for the first time in four northeast Arkansas counties in 1997. In 1998, false smut was found in almost every county North of the Arkansas river suggesting that this disease may be an annual problem. Preliminary false smut disease ratings for several varieties are provided in Table 3 .