PRO*ACT Crop Update: Late-season desert supplies a challenge
The high-pressure system over the southwestern desert regions will begin to move east today, following days of record to near-record high temperatures across the region.
Quality in the desert regions continues to be a challenge in the recent hot temperatures as the season winds down. Insect pressure continues to rise along with heat-related problems. Leaf and lettuce fields will see an increase in fringe/tip burn, internal burn, twist, ribby/irregular shape and seeders, while also contributing to weaker, dehydrated texture and lesser overall shelf life.
These late-season supplies will continue to show some premature pinking along the rib that is not seen during harvest and tends to show up during transit and storage. Broccoli production from the desert regions will begin to show some open/yellow bead along with dehydration and increased insect pressure.
On the processing side extreme heat can produce physiological changes in the plants, resulting in leaf sensitivity and a weaker overall texture. This can cause increased mechanical damage and bruising during harvest and processing. Processed items will also likely see an increase in discoloration and breakdown showing up in the bag affecting quality and shelf life.
It remains very important to keep your rotations in check as the overall quality and shelf life of most crops, especially processed items, will be challenged.
