High pressure continues to keep temperatures above normal throughout the Salinas Valley. Coastal temperatures will be in the upper 60°s to low 80°s, whereas inland temperatures may reach as high as 105° over the next few days before cooling slightly by the end of the week. The Santa Maria and Oxnard, CA growing regions will be a few degrees cooler, but still above normal as well.

Harvesting crews have been and will continue to start production earlier than normal to avoid peak temperatures. Markon inspectors will monitor product closely for heat-related challenges that may include, but are not limited to:

• Bolting/seeder
• Bruising/soft texture in strawberries
• Dehydration/wilting
• Discoloration/yellowing leaves, particularly in baby leaf items that are sensitive to rapid temperature fluctuations
• Growth cracks
• Hollow core and pin rot in broccoli
• Inconsistent plant growth
• Increased disease/plant virus pressure
• Increased insect pressure
  • Aphids
  • Diamondback Moth
  • Thrips
• Internal burn/tip burn
• Shortened shelf-life in commodity and value-added lettuce and tender leaf items

Markon inspectors will continue to work with suppliers, evaluating commodity and value-added items while working to minimize heat-related challenges. As always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain is critical for maximizing the quality and shelf-life of perishable produce items.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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