Several California growing regions are bracing for a heat wave that will peak on Friday, May 31 and last through the weekend. Coastal areas throughout Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard will reach the low 80°s, but inland areas throughout each of these regions are expecting temperatures in the 90°s to low 100°s.
Markon suppliers are adjusting harvest times to minimize production during peak temperatures and will be actively monitoring row crop items for heat-related quality or shelf-life challenges that may develop in the days ahead. These potential challenges include, but are not limited to:
Broccoli:
- Brown bead/yellow bead
- Branchy shape
- Hollow core
- Increased insect pressure
- Pin rot
- Shortened shelf-life
Strawberries:
- Bruising
- Over-ripe fruit
- Reduced size
- Soft texture
- Shortened shelf-life
Lettuce/Tender Leaf:
- Dehydration/wilting
- Increased insect pressure
- Internal burn
- Premature pinking/discoloration
- Shortened shelf-life
- Yellowing leaves
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.
©2025 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.