California's acreage for spring harvest is forecast at 29,700 acres, down 1 percent from 1997. Rains delayed planting, but recent better weather allowed producers to catch up.
Fields are wet and weedy, but producers reported very few other problems.
Winter rain and frost delayed the planting and growth of California's spring cantaloups. The crop was sprayed to control whiteflies and mildew in the desert valley. Nationally, acreage intended for harvest is estimated at 40,100 acres, up 2 percent from 1997. Acreage in Georgia was up 4 percent from last year, which continues the upward trend from 1996. Texas acreage is up 38 percent compared to last year's rain reduced harvested acreage.