I would definitely do a little bit of defoliation but not drastically on a auto I don't grow autos anymore as they are to stroppy and can stunt if getting stressed photos all the way for me they looking good for autos mine always stretch to much or stunted so I'm staying away from them people say that they are easy to grow buy I find photos are more controllable and you have time to let them recover from any stress which you don't get with autos happy growing and I'm happy to help if you message me I will start following you now but the plants are nice for autos good luck from uk