I've grown auto's for years, and any sort of messing with the apical dominance produces optimal results. Top it, LST it or fim it it doesn't really matter. When and what type of training works best I feel is really plant dependent. If the plant is really vigorous early on I top at the 4th or 5th node. If it's kind of a slow poke I might opt for just some LST as it grows. If I'm going to top I like to have it done by about day 20ish from the seed breaking ground. Right before or just when it's starting to show sex. Topping is by far the easiest way to train a plant. LST on the other hand is a bit of a pain in the ass sometimes.
Appreciate the response , I like this approach. I am leaning towards topping it . How about topping it at the 3 or 4th node and then transplanting into final pot all at once? Or too much stress like that?
Everyone's grow is kind of different so it's really up to you to try and see what works better. There is really no right or wrong answer here. I like to cut the first node off of my plant so I usually go to at least to the 4th node. I like to have mine in it's final pot way before I'm considering topping. But if you look at @PopAndSonGrows above he's doing just fine topping still in a solo cup.
