Fruits & Vegetables

Tucked behind the First Congregational Church, in one of Santa Ana's oldest neighborhoods, are verdant rows of spinach, Brussels sprouts and other leafy greens dotted with the orange hues of marigolds.

In a recent two-year study at a Salinas area strawberry field, steam treatments proved more effective at eliminating soil-borne pathogens than a commonly used soil fumigant.

Yolo County organic farmer Jim Durst, seen here during the 2018 asparagus harvest season, says labor shortages have forced him to reduce his overall acreage this year.

Broccoli is harvested at Lakeside Organic Gardens in Watsonville. With acreage in Pajaro Valley, Imperial Valley and Mexico, the company has become the largest family-owned organic farm in the U.S.

Vegetable growers may be able to manage insects with more precise pesticide applications.

Cavity spot disease, another threat, can leave carrots with lesions and blemishes. Despite some available fungicides, cavity spot is very difficult for growers to manage.