California’s Salinas Valley crops show signs of heat-related challenges

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this Live from the Fields report June 2, 2025:

After a brief heat wave throughout California’s Salinas Valley growing region, some fields and varieties are developing heat-related challenges, primarily on lettuce and tender leaf items. Markon inspectors are observing quality challenges such as:

• Dehydration/wilting
• Growth cracks
• Increased insect pressure
• Internal burn/tip burn
• Discoloration/yellowing leaves
• Shortened shelf-life

Markon relased a video about an increase in the presence of thrip insects and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) in some lettuce and leaf fields from California’s Salinas Valley.

Two significant heat spikes were recorded in mid- and late May. The warm, dry conditions have been ideal for insects such as thrips to flourish.

Thrip insects commonly cause orange speckled blemishes on various lettuce crops. If infected with INSV, they will spread the disease to the plants they feed on.

Infected plants will develop necrotic lesions throughout the leaves that will make the heads unmarketable. Fields that are severely impacted by INSV can see dramatic yield loss.

Currently, the presence of INSV is not widespread, but combined with other soil diseases such as sclerotinia and fusarium wilt, some growers’ yields are falling.

Markon inspectors will continue to work closely with suppliers, evaluating commodity and value-added items while working to minimize heat-related challenges.

As always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain is critical for maximizing the quality and shelf-life of perishable produce items.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for further information.