Hey dholt
Im not sure what you've got going on there..
Looking at the smooth edges and density, it does actually look like the plant has revegged...but since you claimed its an auto..I cant see that happening.
I'm very familiar with autos, as I live on the prairies in Canada, and need autos to finish properly...I have been growing them for a few years..Actually, they're my primary focus now...If you know what you're doing..they can be great..if not you end up with a smozzle..
First, where did you buy your beans? If you havent bought from a reputable source that has bred multi generational lines to reduce ruderalis influence substantially you could end up with a very poor result...
That said, there are some things to help future grows...20 hours minimum light...start to finish (yes even through flowering) see the advantage? These are race cars! Some Auto strains can get stressed easily..know your strain. LST, if done right, can be effective...Ponytailing to get some of those bottom branches growing early is a big help...Key is genetics and light..If you can start them inside under a decent light with 20-24 hour for the first 3 weeks to a month you're ahead if the game...Point is..you've got 3-5 weeks to build the plants frame for buds..any delay..and your harvest will suffer...
Plant them in the pot you intend to finish them in..even if you have to drill some holes in the pot and bury when the time comes outside
For some auto strains you can even be a little more bold and FIM or top them..but I would wait until at least the third node..possibly 4 to do so..
Here my own strain of auto (yet un-named) finishing up..Started breeding more photo genetics with Jack the Ripper(male) into my autos..crossing with the best of Girl Scout Cookies Auto, Green Crack Auto, and GG4 Auto from Expert seeds..The JTR allowed me to convert my fem seed to reg a few generations back..and since Identifying the strongest autos from the offspring (2 gens after the JTR)..
I'm still using photos to cross with my autos to further dilute out the ruderalis..
Here's a recent snap..Nice and frosty..
Who says autos can't do well..?
The only thing you give up..you can't maintain auto mother plants..and you sacrifice on ozs..but considering the turnover time wise..many would see that as a fair trade..
Toad