This invention relates to a defoliator for defoliating and desiccating crops. The invention includes a mobile structure including means of propulsion over crop lands. A shroud is carried by the mobile structure, the shroud being closed at the top, sides, and ends with an open bottom, the sides and ends terminating adjacent the ground and the forward and rearward ends having doors therein to admit and exit upstanding crops as the shroud is moved by the mobile structure over the ground. A heat producing means is mounted within the shroud whereby the air temperature therein is raised. A recirculating fan within the shroud moves the air past the heat producing means into contact with the crops. The device functions to defoliate and/or desiccate crops, such as cotton, to cause the leaves to die, shrivel and fall off to augment subsequent harvesting of the crops.