Cotton defoliation is a crucial step in preparing cotton crops for harvest. It involves the removal of leaves to enhance boll exposure, allowing for better airflow and quicker drying. By removing the leaves, defoliation ensures that cotton bolls mature uniformly, reducing the amount of green material that could interfere with mechanical harvesting. Traditionally, chemical defoliants have been used, but sustainable defoliation methods, such as organic or electric defoliation, are gaining popularity. Proper defoliation timing is essential to maximise yield and fibre quality while minimising environmental impact. Effective defoliation strategies play a critical role in improving harvest efficiency and overall cotton quality.