Defoliation (noun)

1. The process of causing plants to lose their leaves.
2. The result of causing plants to lose their leaves.

Origin:

From the verb defoliate, meaning to cause the loss of leaves, and the suffix -ion, indicating a process or action.

Examples:

1. The herbicide caused widespread defoliation of the forest, killing many trees and altering the ecosystem.
2. The insect infestation caused severe defoliation of the crops, reducing their yields and quality.
3. The extreme weather conditions led to early defoliation of the deciduous trees, leaving them bare and vulnerable.
4. The seasonal defoliation of deciduous trees prepares them for winter, conserving their energy and resources.
5. The defoliation of the mangroves due to pollution and overfishing threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities.