The use of diphenyl ether derivatives of the general formula I ##STR1## where A is a radical ##STR2## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ion, substituted or unsubstituted ammonium, alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or alkoxycarbonylalkyl of a total of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for the desiccation and abscission of plant organs.