A significant heat wave is forecast across California’s Central Coast this week, with temperatures peaking Wednesday in the upper 80°s to mid-90°s near the coast and exceeding 100° further inland in both the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys. These conditions are expected to add stress to crops already challenged by insects, disease, and maturity issues.

Markon First Crop (MFC) supplies remain limited in several commodities, with Markon Best Available (MBA) and packer label substitutions being utilized as needed. Current quality concerns include, but are not limited to:

• Lettuce: internal burn, weak tip, insect pressure, INSV, and case weight challenges
• Broccoli, broccolini, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower: increased Diamondback Moth activity, with larvae & pupae being observed in many crops
• Tender leaf items: bolting/seeder, increased insect pressure, shorter shelf-life potential, yellowing, and quality variability under elevated temperatures
• Strawberries: bruising, decreased sizing, soft texture, reduced shelf-life potential, and greater susceptibility to decay
• Value-Added Lettuce & Romaine Blends: heat stress, higher respiration rates, shortened shelf-life, premature pinking

Markon inspectors are working with growers, harvesting crews, and processor QA teams to closely monitor conditions and take steps to minimize issues. Still, heat stress, accelerated crop maturity, elevated insect pressure, and increased demand are expected to limit MFC availability and increase MBA and packer-brand substitutions for at least the next two weeks.

We recommend ordering for quick turns, and as always, strict cold chain management is critical to maximize quality and shelf life.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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