The user of this cotton mapping technique must be able to identify structures correctly such as the cotyledonary node, a vegetative branch, fruiting branch, and fruiting site. A description of each is outlined. It is also the only node on the plant that occurs as opposite bumps on the stem. Other nodes occur only on one side of the stem and occur alternately up the stem. When you detect two bumps, occurring directly opposite each other on the main stem, it is the cotyledonary node.
Scars are present where the cotyledons shed earlier in the season.
Vegetative branches generally grow outward then turn upward. Fruiting branches generally grow in a more outward manner. The main stem of a vegetative branch is straight and does not have a boll connected directly to it. Fruiting branches generally grow outward in a zigzag manner, tending to change the angle of growth at the leaf-boll sites. Fruiting branches have bolls connected directly to them.