A prolonged heat event is expected to impact the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys this week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and low 100s in inland growing areas. Persistent heat stress is expected to accelerate crop maturity and create additional quality and shelf-life challenges across several commodities.

Markon inspectors are monitoring commodity and value-added items closely for heat-related challenges such as:

Strawberries

• Increase in soft fruit and bruising susceptibility
• Reduced shelf-life potential
• Lower yields
• Smaller berry size

Broccoli

• Increased hollow core and/or pin rot
• Higher Diamondback Moth pressure

Lettuce (Iceberg, Romaine, Green Leaf)

• Dehydration
• Increased long core/seeder, and internal burn pressure
• Stronger insect pressure (aphid, gnats, lygus, thrip)
• Greater variability in case weights due to additional trimming
• Premature pinking in value-added salads
• Reduced shelf-life potential

Tender Leaf Items

• Accelerated growth leading to weaker cell structure
• Increased yellowing, dehydration, and seeder development (arugula, cilantro)
• Reduced shelf-life potential

Impacts from the heat wave could last for over two weeks. Ordering for quick turns is highly recommended and as always, strict cold-chain management is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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