Mechanical means of managing weeds include pulling weeds by hand or mowing off the tops of weeds to allow light to the cranberry vines. Once the vines completely cover the soil surface the vines will shade out many germinating weeds seeds, reducing the need for other weed management measures. Chemical weed management has become more widespread as herbicides have been labeled for cranberries. Two chemical approaches are possible. The first is to use preemergent herbicides that prevent weeds from germinating, and the second is to use postemergent herbicides to kill weeds once they are growing.
Most growers use a combination of the two approaches.
Insect Management Cranberries are susceptible to a number of insect pests. Some insects attack the fruit, while others damage the vines. In either case, damage reduces the economic returns of the marsh. The two most significant insect pests of cranberries in Wisconsin are the Black Headed Fireworm and Cranberry Fruitworm. Other significant pests include Cranberry Girdler, Tipworm, Sparganothis Fruitworm and some general spanworms.