Lettuce items are experiencing a significant spike in insect pressure; this is an industrywide issue with the potential to last through the end of the Arizona/California desert growing season in early to mid-April. Over the past two-and-a-half weeks, temperatures in the mid-70°s to mid-80°s have created ideal conditions for insects such as aphids, thrips, and gnats to flourish. Additional factors making it difficult for growers to control pest pressure:
- Depressed markets have forced suppliers to harvest later than expected, which has reduced the effectiveness of some mitigation measures.
- As the season winds down and crop acreage declines, insects naturally move to the remaining vegetation, resulting in higher populations in planted fields.
Markon recommends thoroughly inspecting and washing all field-packed lettuce items as well as some lightly processed lettuce items due to the current insect pressure. Markon Ready-Set-Serve Salad items such as chopped romaine, shredded romaine, and various iceberg lettuce packs are thoroughly washed and can serve as substitutions for foodservice operators who wish to minimize insect challenges.
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for further information.
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