PRO*ACT Crop Update: Strong Pacific storms set to hit California
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Strong Pacific storms set to hit California
A couple of Pacific storm systems are set to bring strong winds and heavy precipitation throughout California into the weekend. The brunt of these systems will impact California; however, strong winds 20-35 miles per hour and a slight chance of light rain are expected across the desert growing regions as these systems roll through.
Iceberg pack-outs currently show heavy density heads with growth crack and burst evident in some of the solid heads. Iceberg, Romaine and leafy green fields continue to exhibit blister, epidermal peeling, rib discoloration and fringe burn along with increasing reports of weak tip, in current stands.
Harvesting crews will be trimming out the outer leaves in an effort to reduce these defects in the box resulting in smaller head size along with lighter color and carton weights. These supplies will likely continue to show some premature pinking along the rib that tend to show up during transit and storage.
Processed leafy green items will also likely see an increase in this oxidation/pinking showing up in the bag. Insect pressure is on the rise in the region with the recent warmer temperatures. The numerous small insects (files, gnats, aphids, thrips) will tend to hide in the leaf lettuces, especially during stormy weather.
The spring mix and tender leaf items will continue to show some yellowing and discoloration along with weaker texture and lesser shelf life due to the previous cold temps and strong winds.
It remains important to keep your rotations in check as the overall quality and shelf life of most crops will be challenged. We will keep an eye on the upcoming and the impact on the various crops in the line of fire.
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.
