The Arizona/California desert growing region will ramp up next week after getting underway this week. Markon inspectors report good stands and overall great quality. This region has little to no soil disease or plant virus activity; however, recent rains have saturated the ground and caused bottom rot, which harvesting crews are avoiding.
- Iceberg Lettuce:
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Iceberg Lettuce is unavailable; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted due to low case weights
- Sporadic defects such as sun scald, tip burn/internal burn, and seeder are present in some lots
- Density varies; case weights remain well below MFC specs, currently ranging from 35-43 pounds
- Weights are expected to increase gradually throughout next week
- Romaine Lettuce:
- MFC Premium Romaine Lettuce is unavailable; MBA is being substituted as needed
- Case weights currently range from 32-36 pounds, but may meet MFC specs by early next week
- Apart from bottom rot, which is manageable, quality is very good with no serious defects or insect activity observed
- Green Leaf Lettuce:
- MFC Premium Green Leaf Lettuce is available
- Case weights range from 22-25 pounds
- Quality is very good with no serious defects or insect activity reported
Markon inspectors will continue evaluating quality and supply in all active transition regions and will provide further updates as needed.
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.
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