Is defoliation effective with auto flowers?

I wouldn't. Fucking with autos in anyway besides SCROG or LST is a bad idea. I wouldn't top,clone, defoliate, or lollipop them. You can give it a shot though.

Nope. Due to the short get time its best to leave them alone for the most part. Tuck fan leaves that are covering bud sites but don't cut anything off. Some techniques are possible with autos but must be done very early and are generally only marginally effective.

As well as the lifespan they don't really get big enough to justify taking foliage off. They're generally short so you will still get sufficient light penetration to the entirety of the plant.

No clue..I have defoliated my grows but I've never grown auto's. I'd defer to those who have.

Namaste

I take off the very bottom leaves and bud sites that arent getting ANY light. but I only do it on the larger, more bushy plants. I'd say I'm cutting off less then 5% of the total foliage. Doesn't hurt them at all, it allows for better airflow in the under canopy and makes them easier to water(cuz I lst as well, and some autos can get pretty fuckin bushy). But everyone says something different, try what u think is best for your setup.