PRO*ACT Crop Update: Shift in weather needed to help fields recover
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Shift in weather needed to help fields recover
Tropical activity has remained calm in the Pacific basin with no potential formation expected this week. We are watching a low-pressure system that has the potential to become tropical disturbance later this week in the Gulf of Mexico.
Central and west-central Mexico are forecast to continue to receive significant precipitation through the week with long-range outlooks keeping the rains in the region into late July.
The Southeastern states and central Mexico have already received significant precipitation from numerous tropical systems — and the rains continue. On a brighter note, weather conditions in central Mexico have improved somewhat with better quality and supplies expected next week. Although not out of the woods, this is good news for overall supplies.
In the coastal California growing regions, the heavy marine layer continues — especially for fields closest to the coast. Warm and humid overnight temperatures look to continue with inland regions seeing some hotter temperatures as the summer rolls on. Pockets of mold, mildew and soil disease in the fields continue to lessen yields as insect pressure remains problematic.
The Salinas Valley has been impacted by very strong winds in the afternoons, reaching 20-30 miles per hour across the valley, pulling moisture from the plants. These strong winds can shred and tear leaves, causing fringe burn and dehydration impacting texture and shelf life especially in the tender spinach and spring mix items. The heavy winds can also pick up soil and dust as they roll down the valley leaving crops with a film of dust. Romaine and open head varieties tend to capture the dust in the leaves depositing them at the base of the plant.
Growers across the various regions are hoping for an improved weather pattern to help fields recover and increase production. It remains important to keep your rotations in check going forward as overall shelf life will be challenged.
With over 30 years in the produce industry, Tim Lynch started as an inspector and advanced into quality control and food safety. Beyond work, he's an avid sports fan, relishing in activities like boating, fishing, and diving. Originally from Hollywood, California, Tim attended Cal Poly SLO before making Marina his home since 1994.
