INTRODUCTION

| |---- Greetings my fellow steemian and friends, hope you all are doing well, I'm so excited and happy to participate of this amazing contest. Thanks to @lhorgic for organising the contest, it a privilege. ![1000053853.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWgfCcMkZn9W9eD2nuWDUoHAPADzXbjCm9VBHrZVQ6mmE/1000053853.jpg)

What's would you cultivate if given a large expanse of land?

| |---- ![1000053844.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNuguEqe13FLUHKRwm3rCkeipHs7pBTmWaMiFedVaPExS/1000053844.jpg) I would choose the bitterleaf plant if I'm given free land to cultivate on. Bitter leaf plant, also known as Vernonia amygdaline, is a very fascinating plant with numerous benefits. It is a very popular leafy plant in African and Asian countries. It is used in making some soups, especially bitter leaf soup, stews, and salads, and can also be used as a vegetable. The leaves have a very bitter taste, but when washed or cooked, the taste becomes milder. Bitter leaf plant contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which have many benefits to our health. It can be used for treating some diseases, such as fever, rheumatism, and digestive issues. It is also used for levelling blood sugar. We called it onugbu in my local language. Bitterleaf is a versatile and valuable plant with a range of uses and benefits, so if I were given free land to cultivate any crops or plants, I would cultivate the bitterleaf plant.

Why did you choose that particular plant/crop?

| |---- ![1000053839.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNSqqb5nHC2H2hRyWLnd3C3qvYyxah3e6reoCqaNeBBpm/1000053839.jpg) Reasons why I choose to cultivate a bitterleaf plant if given free land. * Bitterleaf plant is easy to grow; it's a hardy plant that can grow in any environment, requiring minimal maintenance and care. Bitterleaf can stay from rainy season to dry season without dieing. * Another one is the high demand for bitter leaf in our country, Nigeria. Like I said before, bitter leaf is a popular leafy in countries like Africa and Asia, making it more profitable in the countries. * Fast-growing rate, bitter leaf plant grows and matures quick, allowing for multiple harvests and steady income. It grows from time to time and also can be harvested from time to time. * Low startup cost: starting a bitter leaf plant farm requires minimal investment and capital compared to other crops and plants. The seeds are easily accessible, and the plant can grow with little fertiliser and manure. * Bifferleaf can be used for food, medicine, and even natural remedies for treating diseases, aliments, and skin treatments. * Bifferleaf plant grows well in different soil types and adopts the climate quickly.

How long will it take to mature and harvest?

| |---- ![1000053842.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdTpNWeSeLTvpKqCZU2qL2ExEJkGGbXiZt7gX4W3zkJPN/1000053842.jpg) Bitter leaf is a fast growing plants, it doesn't take much time to mature, it can be harvest from time to time and it also grows from time to time. Also worth noting that bitterleaf is perennial crop, it can be harvested multiple times and still regrow after each harvest. If taken proper care of, bitterleaf plant can produce leaves for up to three years and more.

What are the common pest and disease of that plant/crop. Also share how to control it.

| |---- Some common pest and disease of bitterleaf and it controls. # Pest Aphids, white files, caterpillar, slug and snail. This are common pest of bitter leaf plant, some feed on the sao while some eat the leaves. # diseases Leaf spots. Fungal infection that causes some dark circles on the leaves. Root rot: it is caused by fungal infection and it often makes them to die . Bacteria leaf blight: it is caused by bacterials , making the leaves yellowish and brownish. # Some control measures * The pest can be controlled with the use of some chemical like insecticides herbicides nematocide and fungicides. By spreading them on the leaves we can control this pest. * Maintaining good hygiene in the farm, removing infected leaves or prevent the disease from spreading and also wedding the farm always . * Watering the plant carefully, avoiding overhead watering which can help spread Fungal spores. * Ensuring good circulation of airto prevent moisture build up. By knowing all the pest and diseases of bitterleaf and taking active control measures, you can help protect your bitter leaf farm and ensure productive and healthy harvest. *All pictures are mine* Thanks for reading my post. I will like to invite @ruthjoe @dove11 @patjewell @ngoenyi @goodybest to join this contest.