How are pesticides applied to cranberry bogs?
Most often, pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, insecticide), as well as fertilizers, are applied to cranberry bogs through the water sprinkler irrigation system. This process is referred to as “chemigation.” Pesticides are sometimes also applied by hand sprayers or wipers. Occasionally helicopters may be used. Commercial and agricultural application of pesticides can only be applied by Massachusetts state certified applicators. Most bog operators are certified, or they may hire a private contractor. Read the University of Minnesota Extension Service’s Page of Chemigation Safety Measures. Most growers have adopted “Integrated Pest Management” or IPM. IPM includes a combination of biological, cultural, or chemical control methods as part of a strategy to reduce pesticide use. According to a Cranberry Institute study in 1996, 60% of Massachusetts cranberry Bog acreage may be under IPM, although the use of specific practices vary. For example, the authors of this study estimated 45% of Ma
