Cranberry is a shrub grown for its fruit (berries)

Cranberry may also be referred to as Bear Berry and originates from North America.

Cranberries are a healthful food, due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content.

The nutrients in cranberries have been linked to a lower risk of urinary tract infections, prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood pressure.

Cranberry growing countries in the world are United States, Canada, Chile, Romania and Ukraine. 

Cranberry growing states in India are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class:  Magnoliopsida
• Order: Ericales
• Family: Ericaceae
• Genus: Vaccinium
• Species: macrocarpon

Fruits or berries are the most economically important part of Cranberry

Cranberries are wetland plants which grow best in bogs, swamps and poorly draining soils.

Cranberry cultivation is best in acidic, organic or sandy soils with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5 .

The bed should have a base material which is impermeable to water such as clay or peat.

Cranberry plants need cold weather in order to trigger a dormant phase, approximately three months of temperatures in the 32-45 degree F.

Cranberries like humid areas, cooler positions and acidic soil (pH 4.0 to 5.5). 

Cranberries are generally grown in areas with cold climates and in some regions thrive up to 1500 m above sea level

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Blackheaded fireworm, Cottonball, Blossomworm, Cranberry Fruitworm and Cranberry Tipworm.
    
  • Major Diseases: Botryosphaeria Fruit Rot, Proventuria Early Leaf Spot, Red Leaf Spot and Phytophthora Root and Rrunner Rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Frost Injury
  • Hail Injury
  • False Blossom