I'm guessing that most people will recommend to do the chop just before/at the end of your dark cycle, a some will say some extended period of darknes [24-72hrs.], a few will say they chop whenever. For the extended period of darkness. I've seen reports with control plants and the growers says that there is no discernible difference, and others claim they do notice a substantial difference. Some say that all strains will benefit from a extended darkness, others claim that its will be strain specific. I'm with you on this one. I think it's something you have to try for yourself for a definitive answer as it relates to you.