As vegetable harvest in the Valley and Central Coast gained steam, final cuts were being made in the desert regions on broccoli and cauliflower. Bill Fox, an independent PCA in Yuma, Ariz. said the up and down winter deal was “no bell ringer” but most growers were happy and pest pressures were fairly typical overall. Thrips as usual came on strong at the tail end of the harvest.

Fox reported most consultants were shifting gears to melons which too were enjoying a mild growing season with warmer than average temperatures. Bees were being put out for pollination in cantaloupe and watermelon harvest was expected to start around May 20.