What is the purpose of defoliants in pest management?

Defoliants are specifically designed to cause leaves to drop from plants. This action is particularly useful in various agricultural practices, especially just before harvesting certain crops. By removing leaves, defoliants can facilitate easier access to fruits or seeds, reduce the risk of disease by improving air circulation around the plant, and sometimes even help in synchronizing the harvest schedule.

The use of defoliants is carefully managed to ensure they target specific plants at the right time in their growth cycle without causing undue harm to the crop or surrounding environment. Understanding the purpose of defoliants is important for effective pest management, as it plays a critical role in controlling plant health and enhancing harvest efficiency.