News and Stories

Weather forecasts for California’s Central Coast predict a low pressure system as early as the morning of Wednesday, May 13, but it’s more likely to develop Wednesday evening along with thunderstorms and possible hail. Showers will continue Thursday, May 14 before tapering off that evening or sometime on Friday, May 15. The Salinas and Santa Maria, California growing regions could receive anywhere from .25 to .75 inches of rain.

Growers of lettuces, strawberries, and tender leaf row crop items are currently packing orders ahead of schedules as much as possible in anticipation of the rain. They will take measures to keep cartons and product as clean and dry as possible for any remaining orders that must be packed during the storm. Harvesting and loading delays can be expected; some growers may cancel production entirely if field conditions become too difficult.

Markon inspectors will continue to monitor product and field conditions for some of the following weather-related issues that may develop; they will update further with more information soon:

• Bottom rot
• Bruising in strawberries
• Higher respiration rates in value-added items
• Increased mildew pressure
• Pin rot in broccoli
• Premature pinking
• Reduced yields
• Shortened shelf-life
• Soft texture in strawberries
• Water damage in strawberries

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

John Galvez

Quality Assurance

markon.com

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