Variation in the epicuticular wax content of white and red clover leaves

There was a three‐fold variation in epicuticular wax content between populations of white clover and a five‐fold variation between populations of red clover. The mean for all populations of red clovers was twice that of white. There was also a two‐ to three‐fold variation within each population. The epicuticular wax content of white and red clovers grown in the field showed an increase with age. Thin layer chromatography showed no qualitative differences in the epicuticular waxes extracted either between populations or with sampling date. The higher levels of epicuticular wax found in some clovers were considered to be of possible significance as a source of antifoaming compounds in bloat‐inducing pastures.