Following an unseasonably warm week, Markon’s row crop vegetable suppliers in the Arizona/California desert region having been pre-packing orders in anticipation of another rain event this afternoon. Upwards of .25” of rain is expected which is far less than the 1.00” – 2.00” of rain that Northern and Southern California may receive from this system, but enough to create production delays and prolong ongoing quality challenges from the past few weeks of weather challenges.

Markon inspectors continue to monitor weather and field conditions that can affect quality and shelf-life in lettuce and tender leaf items in particular with the some of the following issues:

• Bottom rot
• Decreased case weights for commodity lettuce items
• Discoloration and/or decay on epidermal blistering and peeling
• Dirt/mud on the product
• Increased mildew pressure
• Premature pinking in some value-added salads or Washed & Trimmed leaf lettuce packs
• Reduced shelf-life potential
• Yellowing leaves/discoloration

Harvesting and processing crews will work to keep boxes as clean and dry as possible and will take steps to minimize defects but can’t avoid all of these issues completely. Ordering for quick turns is recommended and as always, maintaining the cold chain is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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