News and Stories

Another late-season heatwave is expected in the major California growing areas is forecast to arrive Sunday, September 27. Please see below for a breakdown of major harvesting regions.
 
Salinas Valley

• Coastal areas are forecast to reach the mid-80s near the coast and in the low 100s inland
• Quality issues such as decay, growth crack, insect pressure and damage, Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, and sunscald are already problems
• Shorter days will somewhat limit heat-related defects and promote growth
• Above-normal temperatures will increase insect pressure, prolong virus/disease issues, and continue to negatively affect volume and quality

Santa Maria

• By Monday, September 28, temperatures are expected to hit the mid-80s for three to five days
• Strawberry supplies are limited due to previous heatwaves over the last two months
  • Expect persistent heat-related challenges and reduced yields
  • Bleeding, bruising, pin rot, small size, softness, and shortened shelf-life are already present
• Iceberg and green leaf lettuces are exhibiting virus issues and internal burn; yields are reduced due to smoke and heat, but quality is starting to improve

Huron

• Suppliers are targeting mid-October to begin the iceberg season
• Peak temperatures in low the 100s are expected by Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30
• Plant maturity will be monitored for potential die off due to the abnormally hot temperatures  
• Most suppliers are confident that younger plant maturity will limit damage

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information
 
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