Topping (Desbotonado)

/ des-bo-toh-NAH-do /
Growing & TerroirSpanish
Definition
Cutting off the flower head once the plant is mature, so energy that would go into seed goes into the remaining leaves. The height at which a grower tops sets how many primings the plant will carry.
Why it matters
Topping directly raises leaf thickness, oil, and nicotine, and topping low concentrates strength while topping high yields more but lighter leaf.
In context
"They topped the field at eighteen leaves, keeping it light because the crop was destined for wrapper."