A small percentage of lettuce and leafy greens products in the Arizona/California desert growing region are starting to exhibit some epidermal blistering and peeling. Although temperatures have been above normal, the region did experience some freezing temperatures in the colder areas. Harvesting crews are working to trim damaged leaves, but it’s not always possible to detect/remove all.

In addition to the freeze-related defects, insect pressure is forecast to increase over the coming weeks due to the recent warm weather pattern. Commodity and lightly processed leaf lettuce items that grow in open frames are most susceptible to insect pressure, but iceberg lettuce has also seen a spike in aphids, gnats, and thrips.

Customers who can switch to fully processed value-added items, such as RSS Chopped or Shredded Romaine packs will have a better chance of avoiding insect pressure.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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