LIVE FROM THE FIELDS: Virus and Disease Pressure in Salinas Valley Iceberg and Leaf Lettuces

Watch the latest Markon Live from the Fields video regarding virus and disease pressure that in Salinas Valley lettuce crops.

Over the last couple of weeks, California’s Salinas Valley has seen an explosion of plant virus and disease issues that are heavily impacting lettuce crops
Green leaf has been the least affected, but yields are down 20%-50% in some iceberg and romaine lettuce crops
Sclerotinia is not uncommon in late summer/early fall crops, but the Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus is typically not as widespread as it is currently being reported
Harvesting crews are heavily trimming heads to detect and cull defects, but may not be able to eliminate these issues 100%
Production crews are harvesting fields at a faster pace due to the increase in culled product; upcoming fields will have less time to fully mature
Expect light weights, intermittent quality and shelf-life issues, and elevated markets for lettuce items for the duration of the Salinas season

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for further information.

September 16, 2020