Leaf drop, or leaf abscission, is a natural process in plant development but is often accelerated in cotton farming through the use of defoliants. This process exposes cotton bolls to sunlight and air, improving maturation and facilitating a cleaner harvest. While chemical defoliants are commonly used to initiate leaf drop, sustainable methods such as organic and non-chemical defoliation are increasingly popular. By controlling leaf drop effectively, farmers can ensure that cotton fibres mature uniformly, improving yield and quality. Precision in defoliation timing is key to optimising the process and ensuring that both yield and fibre quality are maximised.