CANNASIManswered grow question 7 years ago Hi Weedeep, What you have to considere with the autos is that any stress MAY affect the growth and overall yield. Some techniques cause too much stress and they do not have the time to heal, as you don't control the timing. Growing them naturally, with leaf tucking and lst don't do harm.
I would avoid any kind of HST and defoliation, if is too busy and you want to avoid the risk of mould for example you can remove a few leafs a day. Transplant and Topping are also in the list of riskier manoeuvres.
As is your first auto strain I suggest you go light, and then build up to be able also to compare the results, then you will create your own style of auto grow. :)
The lower branches removal tend to behave as in the photoperiodes, so if at this point if you are used to make the removal on the photos, expect similar behaviour. I personally let them go too in the autos...
Good luck, happy growing!