2023 PRE-SEASON CALIFORNIA TOMATO CROP UPDATE

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California Navigates Unpredictable Weather Patterns

California's tomato growers and processors are once again navigating the unpredictable weather patterns of the state. Despite the much-needed rainfall this year, which filled reservoirs (Exhibit A) and provided water allocations at 100%, the industry is facing several challenges. Late rains, gusty winds, and above-average temperatures in the spring have resulted in a delayed and erratic planting season, leading to later-than-normal factory starting dates and reduced early-season volumes. Moreover, the harvest window will extend further into October than usual, potentially lowering the average tons per acre for the 2023 season.

Exhibit A - Click to Expand | Source: CA Dept. of Water Resources

While the rain has brought its share of difficulties, there have also been positive outcomes. The ample water supply has leached salts that have accumulated in the soil over the years, providing a healthier environment for plant growth. This is especially beneficial in areas where well water with higher than desirable salt levels is used. Additionally, the heavy rainfall has created thick vegetation in the foothills that limits the ideal conditions for the development of Beet Leafhopper populations, which carry the Curly Top Virus. This has provided a respite to growers who faced severe damage from the virus in previous years.

Despite the growers' eagerness to catch up with schedules, planting on overly wet soil can lead to soil compaction, which, in turn, can cause plant roots to exert more force than growing in well-tilled soil. This can reduce access to soil water and nutrients, causing plants in compacted soil to be more susceptible to stress from drought, heat, or heavy fruit load. (Exhibit B)

Exhibit B

Furthermore, growers must carefully manage nitrogen levels during a wet spring. Soil nitrate tests can be used to create a nitrogen budget and make up for the nitrogen that may have been leached to achieve proper levels required to support desired crop yield. Leaf analysis during the season can also be used to check and adjust nitrogen rates.

Despite the challenges presented by the weather, Morning Star field and services staff have worked closely and collaborated with growers to provide the best possible solutions. Morning Star’s wide geographical diversity of planting areas throughout the state creates more opportunities to assist growers during these challenging times and still achieve desired processing tons.

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2022 POST SEASON CALIFORNIA TOMATO CROP UPDATE

Challenges and Reasons for Optimism as 2022 Winds Down

Another year is almost behind us – another year with California falling short of its forecasted crop. As we approach Thanksgiving, is there anything about which the processing tomato industry can be thankful or optimistic? We think there are a few things worth considering.

California Nevada River Forecast Center 6 Day Forecast Precipitation Map

FIGURE A | Source: California Nevada River Forecast Center

While everyone knows there has been a drought in California and that the state is expected to face another La Niña influence for 2023, two of California’s major reservoirs are in better shape now than they were at this time in 2021. Shasta reservoir in the north part of the state is at 58% of its historical average versus 42% last year, while the San Luis reservoir in the central part of the state is at 52% of its historical average versus 37% in 2021. The short-term precipitation forecast in California is also promising, as shown in Figure A, with a good portion of the state expected to receive one to six inches of rainfall.

The curly top virus resurfaced in 2022, with devastating impact on processing tomato crops in some areas. The Beet Curly Top Virus Control Board responded at its last meeting by approving a motion to request that the California Department of Food and Agriculture add personnel for statewide surveying and monitoring of increased presence in new, non-traditional areas. In a promising technology-based initiative, a new app in development will allow the industry’s growers and pest control advisors to collect, record, and submit data directly to the Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program. Also formed, with participation from Morning Star, is a new Diagnostics Subcommittee that will investigate the Program’s top-priority issues.

Technology is also being leveraged to drive progress in tomato crop management through such strategies as improved irrigation management, laser weed control, and improved fertilization programs to maximize yields.

While many commodities continue to compete for acres cultivated, tomatoes grown with drip irrigation remain one of the top commodities for value relative to water use amid speculation on 2023 tomato prices. While processing tomatoes may seem more challenging to grow than other crops, Morning Star continues to lower barriers to entry by providing grower services that reduce capital requirements and support profitable production.

Growing processing tomatoes in California can be challenging, but strategic industry support and advances in technology will help protect their leadership position in the state’s production mix.

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2022 SUMMER CALIFORNIA TOMATO CROP UPDATE

California tomato processors and growers battle extreme drought conditions and Curly Top Virus

Processing for the 2022 tomato crop has begun and the fourth week of harvest has been completed. The 2022 harvest is currently behind the 2021 harvest by a little over four hundred thousand tons. The last USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NAAS) intentions report showed an estimated 11.7 million tons were expected for California in 2022. As the California 2022 crop trails 2021, what conditions is the crop facing?

FIGURE 1 | Source: National Integrated Drought Information System

Most of the growing regions of California are still classified as being under extreme and exceptional drought. (See Figure 1) These conditions translate to lack of water and salt levels in soils higher than normal because water is not available to leach the salts below the root zone. Irrigation with ground water wells, with elevated salt levels, also contributes to the problem. These conditions negatively impact yields.

California reservoir levels continue to be below historical averages with the exception of one reservoir in Northern California, New Bullards Bar. (See Figure 2) These are bad conditions for 2022, but also create a situation for 2023, with rain and snow critically needed for the state.

On a positive note for water, pumping from both the Jones (Central Valley Project) and Banks (State Water Project) have been occurring, bringing some much-needed water, although small amounts, to areas south of the San Joaquin Delta. (See Figure 3)

There has been an increase of the Curly Top Virus in California, appearing in some non-traditional locations. The damage comes from the virus that the sugar beet leafhopper carries with it, not damage from the sugar beet leafhopper itself. In the past, most damage has occurred when the vegetation dries up in the foothills and the leafhoppers migrate to the valley. For 2022 the damage has been occurring well past the time of the vegetation drying down and still persists to high degrees, especially in areas where some fields were completely lost. A Special Meeting has been called by the Beet Curly Top Virus Control Board to address this matter on August 11.

There has also been a fair amount of spotted wilt observed in the crop. Spotted wilt is transmitted by thrips. While spotted wilt resistance has been bred into certain varieties, there is a new strain that has broken through. Increased planting of almond trees contributes to the increase in thrip populations, because thrips are welcomed in almond plantings to slow down the mite pressure. As cropping patterns change in California, so must the strategy for pest control.

California processing tomato growers have proven that they can survive challenges and will be tested once again for the 2022 season.

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FIGURE 2 | Source: California Dept. of Water Resources. | Click image to open live link.

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FIGURE 3 | Source: The Water Agency, Inc.

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