Defoliation with auto flowers

[Flux]

For me budsites just don’t develop properly unless their getting direct light!!!! All the budsites closest to the dirt never develop properly for me and it’s 100% due to not getting direct or close enough light. I’ve never had a plant slow down due to defoil during the stretch or into flower but STRONGLY advise against defoil during veg !!

 

[Watweed_2009]

For me budsites just don’t develop properly unless their getting direct light!!!! All the budsites closest to the dirt never develop properly for me and it’s 100% due to not getting direct or close enough light. I’ve never had a plant slow down due to defoil during the stretch or into flower but STRONGLY advise against defoil during veg !!

Mine are two weeks ish into flower. It's a 12 week strain and I'm at week 7. Should I pick off the huge fan leaves that are covering the bud sites little by little?? Any info would be appreciated. Cheers

 

[Olderfart]

I trim for air flow only, and do it to avoid mold. Until I see strong evidence of the need for direct light on bud sites, I will continue to assume that every leaf is another solar cell providing energy for all buds on the plant, as well as a source of stored nutrients should the plant "decide" to use them.

To properly clarify this issue, a controlled test with numerous identical clones would be needed. I would love to see the results of such an experiment, but have not found them, and do not have the time, grow space, or inclination to do the test myself.