The Arizona/California desert growing region is currently experiencing unseasonably warm weather that will persist through early next week.

Daytime highs have been ranging from the mid-70s to the upper 80s. These warm, dry conditions are creating ideal conditions for insects such as aphids, gnats, lygus, and thrips. Markon inspectors are seeing increased insect pressure in commodity and lightly processed lettuce—especially open-growing leaf items—which is expected to continue through the end of the desert season in mid-April.

Commodity items that are more heavily trimmed and may offer less insect presence include:

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Cleaned & Trimmed Iceberg Lettuce
• MFC Romaine Hearts in 48ct, 7/6ct, and 12/3ct packs
• MFC 24ct Artisan Romaine

Fully processed value-added items, such as Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Chopped and Shredded Iceberg and Romaine packs provide the lowest risk of insect presence in finished product compared to any commodity or lightly processed items, such as RSS Washed & Trimmed Deli Leaf, Green Leaf, and Romaine packs.

Aside from insects, other heat-related challenges that are being observed or may develop in lettuce or tender leaf items include, but are not limited to:

• Internal burn
• Premature pinking
• Rib blight
• Sun scalding
• Shortened shelf-life potential
• Weak tip

Markon inspectors are working with suppliers to select the best lots available and taking steps to minimize insect pressure.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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