Hello my friend
Yes you can but let me give you some clarification
Defoliation is a culture technique that involves removing the leaves of the plant, thus changing its growth process. The technique aims to maximize the output of production in small spaces. For this reason, this technique is especially useful for small-scale indoor crops and for growers who are interested in maximizing their bud production. However, defoliation is an aggressive technique, its use is not without controversy.
This technique is not recent, its practice is also common in gardening, especially in the art of bonsai. In agriculture it is commonly used for tomato plants. The defoliation applied to the cultivation of cannabis consists in eliminating the leaves of the plant at certain stages of its growth but in order to obtain more quality and quantity at the harvest. We speak of defoliation when we eliminate between 20% and 90% of the total leaves of the plant.
With defoliation we do not eliminate branches, only the lower shoots and leaves that we find around them. But, you must first know what the results are when choosing defoliation:
solve the problems of exposure to light
increase productivity without increasing the number of plants
reduce equipment and light expenses
manipulate the growth, height and shape of plants
promote uniformity of buds
avoid diseases and problems due to moisture
cleanse and fortify plants
Defoliation is a relatively simple process, but one that involves its risks. This technique is compatible with any cultivation method (hydroponics, soil, coconut ...). Take your time and be precise with your scissors, a bad cut can damage the future buds.
By cutting the leaves during the flowering phase, we stimulate the production of auxin, which is the vegetable hormone responsible for the growth of floral parts and their maturation. In this way, when the plant recovers, the buds grow suddenly, swelling suddenly.
May the force be with you Good luck for your grow 🌱
