Wet weather hurts crops

A cold front generated moderate to heavy rain storms last week and caused slow growth for many Kaua‘i crops.

Among the two biggest crops, coffee and sugar cane, the Kaua‘i harvests either slowed or were halted due to the wet weather.

The Kaua‘i coffee harvest was stopped last week by the rains but later resumed at a slower pace due to the muddy conditions.

Planting and harvesting of the island sugar cane also was halted last week and may not resume until next week due to wet fields.

Temperatures last week were high with high humidity which also affected the island’s crops.

Some orchids made fair to good progress with rains providing good soil moisture. Upper elevation rainfall replenished water reservoirs used in irrigation.

Leafy crops made poor progress with the inclement weather. In addition, spraying for diseases and insects was interrupted due to the weather.

Kaua‘i crops are as follows;

Chinese Cabbage

There were good yields and quality continued in Waimea. Heavy irrigation ensured good crop progress. Insect and disease damage was light. New plantings were making steady progress.

Head Cabbage

The Waimea head cabbage crop was fair to good condition with heavy irrigation. Insect and disease damage was light. New plantings were making steady progress.

Sweet corn

The Kaua‘i sweet corn crop was making good progress. Light shipments are expected. New plantings were making steady progress.

Lettuce

Supplies of lettuce on the island should be light for local sales. Southerly winds and heavy rains damaged outer leaves of mature plants and growth of younger plants. Planting and harvesting will be delayed due to muddy and eroded fields.