Defoliate or not?

WeedFreak78 said:

....trimming lower leaves and shoots also stimulates vertical growth....

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To what credited source do you get this knowledge?

Dumme said:

To what credited source you you get this knowledge?

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Which knowledge in particular? Anyone that's familiar with those training techniques knows they involve pruning to shape the plant. I've been trimming lower growth on short shoots to force them vertically for years. It's a good trick in canopy management. Pinch the tips of the taller shoots, trim the bottoms of the short ones.

zoic said:

I concur. I selectively defoliate in flower if there are buds not receiving light well. This seems to be a point of contention for many growers but there is evidence that indicates the pros and cons more in depth. I did it differently across 4 plans in flower and the all seem to be doing much better than I was expecting

http://www.growweedeasy.com/defoliation

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Good article, Reefersaurus agrees. They might have added techniques for growing single cola plants , but it is very similar .

Tuck the leaves. No need to cut them off. Dont start removing leaves till week 3 of flower, then, its only like 2-3 a week. By the time she is finished, you have enough to tell you had a great flush. You need those leaves, they are important. Each time you take a leaf off, imagine you hurt the plant. The more punches in one go, the more pain and stress to the plant. 1 day growth slowage per leaf. 1 every other day wouldnt hurt if they are covering bud site. By the time chopped, you should have 50% of your starting leaves left on the plant.

strong bro science,

a great flush is when the bowl is evacuated with only one lever pull