Market Minute: Extreme heat is bugging the crops
The recent extreme temperatures causing this summer's heat wave are doing a favor for the insect community. The intense heat makes bugs more active and increases larvae growth. Temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more allow insects to rapidly increase. Insects are cold blooded creatures, and a heat wave speeds up bugs' metabolisms causing them to attack crops and eat more. So the more insects the more possible damage can occur to crops.
The other detriment to the crops is severe heat stress on plants. Temperatures in the 100s or more can slow down chemical activity from soil moisture deficiency. This can result in reduced growth, leaf curling and tip burn, discoloration and decay.
The high heat has caused some disturbances not only in the crops but also in delayed harvesting due to extreme field temperatures for workers.
Items that can be seen to have heat issues are peppers, corn, tomatoes, eggplant, grapes, leafy greens and stone fruit. There is also possible insect damage to lettuce.
High temperatures in the West Side districts of California are speeding up the melon growth. This will mature the sizing immensely. We should see larger cantaloupes and honeydews.
Grape harvests have had some delays due to the heat. Demand is good on a steady market.
Bear in mind that anything can change in the produce business, especially the weather.
Check with all your suppliers for further day-to-day updates before committing to ad promotions.
Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].
