Back to top 1. Locations of the Arkansas Rice Performance Trials conducted in 1999. 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 . Results from 1998 planting date studies can be found in Rice Information Sheet No. 141 or on the Cooperative Extension website.
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 been found in Arkansas rice fields each year since 1997. False smut disease ratings for several varieties are provided in Table 3 . Growers are encouraged to seed newly released varieties on a small acreage to evaluate performance under their specific management practices, soils and environment.