STUTTGART, Ark. (AP) -- Fungicide-resistant diseases that emerged last year in the Louisiana rice crop has Arkansas researchers looking for similar problems.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Extension Service tested samples from fields known for lengthy use of fungicides and didn't find the disease in the state.

Plant pathologists with the division say it's just a matter of time before the resistance shows in Arkansas is present fungicide practices remain in place.

The Louisiana crop was beset by resistant sheath blight. The division says kernel smut and rice blast are also at risk of developing fungicide resistance.

The extension service says growers can take certain steps to help prevent fungicide resistance.

Copyright 2012 The AP.