The defoliator was a weapon developed under the Separatist Alliance's initiative to create biological weapons resistant to Jedi, an idea of the Neimoidian General Lok Durd. Pune Zignat was the actual developer, though Durd took the credit; the defoliator saw use in the DDT, which was a modified version of the Armored Assault Tank. During the Clone Wars, this weapon was designed specifically to eliminate organic beings, like clone troopers, while leaving machines, such as battle droids, unharmed in battle. Financed by Count Dooku, it underwent testing on Maridun, where Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker destroyed it. General Grievous employed the second and last prototype to wipe out the Nightsisters on Dathomir, although Mother Talzin and Asajj Ventress both survived by escaping.