noun
- insects, chemicals, or other agents that cause leaves to fall from plants or trees
Usage: biology; agriculture
Examples
- The gypsy moth caterpillars are notorious defoliators that can strip entire oak trees bare.
- Forest managers monitor populations of defoliators to prevent widespread tree damage.
- Chemical defoliators were used during wartime to remove forest cover.
- Natural defoliators like certain beetles help maintain forest ecosystem balance.
- The agricultural department issued warnings about invasive defoliators threatening crop yields.
- Scientists study defoliators to understand their impact on forest health.