Cold temperatures in the California and Arizona desert growing regions are causing ice to form on lettuce crops.
While no immediate quality impact is expected, Markon Cooperative’s quality assurance inspectors are actively monitoring for ice-related challenges in the coming days. First frosts were seen on Dec. 16 in Yuma, Ariz.
“When ice forms on lettuce crops, picking must wait until the entire field is thawed,” said Abraham Morales of Markon on a video in Yuma.
Harvest delays result in loading and shipping delays. Dec. 16 ice delays were fairly short. With temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s, thawing took about an hour. That amount of time doesn’t create major delivery problems.
Forecasts call for more cold weather through the weekend. So, harvest and loading delays are expected through early next week.
“A week straight of longer frosts will create a situation where demand exceeds supply,” said Mark Shaw, vice president of operations for Markon. “We’ve had short freezes so far. It’s a wait and see situation with the forecast over the next week.”
With longer times below freezing, market value can be affected due to lower volume harvested. With slightly longer frosts, a yellowish color develops on the crop. Worse, epidermal blister will develop with much longer time below freezing temperatures.
Some growers will place tarps over their lettuce to keep frost away from the crop, but it’s not a widely used practice.
