Leaf lettuce showing internal burn and decay, taken in July 2022.
August 30, 2022 — From Markon Cooperative BB #:123315: The Salinas Valley is bracing for another significant heat spike.
Abnormally high temperatures are forecasted to start this Thursday, September 1 and last through mid-next week with low temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s. Daytime highs will reach into the 80s near the coast and upwards of 110°F in Southern Salinas Valley.
Quality and shelf-life on iceberg and other leafy items have already been impacted by heat stress and decreased yields due to soil borne diseases and virus pressure (INSV).
Markon inspectors expect to see the following challenges continue and worsen over the next two weeks or longer.
Lettuce Items:
• Bolting/seeder
• Dehydration
• Decreased yields due to disease/virus pressure
• Internal burn
• Insect pressure
• Mildew pressure
• Inconsistent growth/fluctuating density
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun scald/sun burn
Tender Leaf Items:
• Bolting/seeder
• Decreased volume/yield
• Inconsistent growth
• Insect pressure
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun scald/sun burn
Strawberries:
• Bruising
• Decreased size
• Soft texture
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun scald/sun burn
Maintaining the cold chain throughout distribution is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life. Markon inspectors will be monitoring quality and working with suppliers to select the best product available.
August 30, 2022 — From Markon Cooperative BB #:123315: The Salinas Valley is bracing for another significant heat spike.
Abnormally high temperatures are forecasted to start this Thursday, September 1 and last through mid-next week with low temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s. Daytime highs will reach into the 80s near the coast and upwards of 110°F in Southern Salinas Valley.
Quality and shelf-life on iceberg and other leafy items have already been impacted by heat stress and decreased yields due to soil borne diseases and virus pressure (INSV).
Markon inspectors expect to see the following challenges continue and worsen over the next two weeks or longer.
Lettuce Items:
• Bolting/seeder
• Dehydration
• Decreased yields due to disease/virus pressure
• Internal burn
• Insect pressure
• Mildew pressure
• Inconsistent growth/fluctuating density
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun scald/sun burn
Tender Leaf Items:
• Bolting/seeder
• Decreased volume/yield
• Inconsistent growth
• Insect pressure
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun scald/sun burn
Strawberries:
• Bruising
• Decreased size
• Soft texture
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun scald/sun burn
Maintaining the cold chain throughout distribution is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life. Markon inspectors will be monitoring quality and working with suppliers to select the best product available.
