Four field trials were conducted during 1988 and 1989 to determine the relationship between the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptros oryzophilus Kuschel, and Pythium spp. in the development of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) feeder root necrosis. The data supported other findings that indicated Pythium spp. were not pathogenic when soil temperatures averaged >300°C; however, Pythium spp. were found to cause preemergence damping-off in early seeded rice. The study failed to establish a relationship between rice water weevil and Pythium spp. in the development of root disease caused by Pythium spp. in rice. During the period when rice water weevil populations reached damaging levels in the field, temperature conditions were unfavorable for root infection by Pythium spp. Rice water weevil damage significantly reduced rice yield in 1988. In 1989, rice yield losses were reduced because early seeding avoided high rice water weevil infestations.