Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA in a press release reports low temperatures in the Arizona and California deserts have resulted in ice forming on lettuce in the growing fields.
- The Arizona/California desert growing region is experiencing the coldest weather of the season, causing significant lettuce ice
- After several days of cool wind gusts, morning temperatures have dipped into the upper 20°s to low 30°s
- Short-term challenges include:
- Dehydration
- Harvesting and loading delays
- Stalled plant growth
- Markon inspectors are monitoring crops and supplies closely for long-term quality challenges that include:
- Discoloration
- Epidermal blister/peel
- Low case weights
- Shortened shelf-life