"That is because the plants are grown in greenhouses which overheat in the high outdoor temperatures, causing the plants to become stressed, Vanpoperinghe said.
"Even if they get the irrigation then it's just extreme heat, which means the plant is not able to grow anymore."
Holey pak choi
John Harper, a farmer in Worcestershire, grows pak choi for Sainsbury's, Aldi and Co-op, and has discarded more produce than usual this year because of tiny holes made by pests.
Flea beetles thrive in hot, dry conditions, and farmers are no longer allowed to use as many pesticides as before, meaning net covers are Harper's only defence."
Framing: assertive ·
First seen: 2026-08-14 ·
Last seen: 2026-08-14 ·
Spread: 1 articles