Defoliant

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Defoliant

Defoliant (/dɪˈfoʊliənt/) is a type of chemical substance that is used to cause the leaves of plants to fall off.

Etymology

The term "defoliant" is derived from the Latin words "de-" meaning "down from" and "folium" meaning "leaf".

Usage

Defoliants are often used in agriculture to facilitate harvesting, as removing the leaves from plants can make it easier to reach the fruit or other parts of the plant that are being harvested. They are also used in warfare to remove foliage that could provide cover for the enemy. One of the most well-known uses of defoliants in warfare was during the Vietnam War, when the U.S. military used a defoliant known as Agent Orange to clear dense jungle vegetation.

Related Terms

  • Herbicide: A substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation.
  • Pesticide: A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
  • Agent Orange: A powerful herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.

Health Effects

Exposure to defoliants can have serious health effects, including cancer, birth defects, and other long-term health problems. These effects can occur in people who are directly exposed to the defoliant, as well as in their offspring.

Environmental Impact

The use of defoliants can have significant environmental impacts, including loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and contamination of water sources.

External links

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