The Arizona/California desert growing region is in the midst of a significant heat wave. Temperatures through the weekend will be in the low- to mid-80°s and will climb into the mid-90°s by Tuesday, February 25. These temperatures are close to 20° above seasonal norms and may not decrease until the first week of March.
Apart from the rising insect pressure the industry is facing, other quality and shelf-life concerns will likely develop in lettuce, tender leaf, and other key desert row crops because of sustained heat. These issues may include:
Broccoli:
- Dehydration
- Hollow core
- Pin rot
Lettuces:
- High insect pressure
- Dehydration
- Growth crack
- Internal burn
- Long core/seeder
- Shortened shelf-life potential
- Sun scald
- Weak tip
Tender Leaf:
- Accelerated growth causing weakened cell structure
- Bolting
- High insect pressure
- Dehydration
- Shortened shelf-life potential
Markon inspectors are working with our suppliers to select the best lots available and take measures to minimize any heat-related challenges. Depending on the severity of challenges that develop, Markon First Crop specifications will become difficult to achieve, and Markon Best Available will be substituted as needed.
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.
©2025 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.