AbstractSingle plants of white clover (Trifolium repens) were subjected either to two intensities of overall defoliation or to severe defoliation of different parts of the plant. Measurements were made of growth in terms of leaf size, petiole length, internode length and other parameters, and compared with those of undefoliated plants. The results show that, while growth of all parts of the plant was reduced by severe overall defoliation, partial defoliation affected various parts of the plant differently according to which leaves were removed. The results are interpreted in terms of the acropetal movement of assimilates from alternative sources in response to defoliation.The probable effects of this on yield and its relevance to grazing management of newly seeded clover are discussed.