Multiple electrodes were placed in the peduncles, petioles, branches and main stem of single cotton plants. The electropotential-time patterns (PHYTOGRAMS) which accrue from the measurement are used as an indication of respiration level in the tissue.

At the multi-day time scale the respiratory level of the various parts of the plant are similar with the exception of lateral branches later in the season. At the hourly time scale the average values of the potential of the different components move in unison. Within single plants there are short periods of specific dissynchrony from component to component but the normal condition is one of synchrony. At the minute time scale and in particular at the beginning of the dark period a dissynchrony appears with abrupt movement to much higher respiration levels (lower electropotential) at approximately four minute intervals. This dissynchrony is present in petioles, peduncles and branches.