Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of genes isolated from Arabidopsis that code for enzymes that are involved in -oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, particularly, in conversion of ?-hydroxy fatty acid to fatty aldehyde. The invention also includes methods of producing transgenic plants with an altered fatty acid composition. Furthermore, the present invention relates to assays making use of these enzymes as herbicide targets to identify inhibitors of said enzymes, thereby providing herbicidally active compounds.

Abstract: Described is the use of the promoter region of the DefH9 gene of Anthirrhinum majus or of a promoter of a homologous gene displaying the same expression pattern and characteristics for the establishment of parthenocarpy or female sterility in plants, for increasing gynogenesis or for enhancing fruit setting and development. Also described are recombinant DNA molecules comprising a DefH9 promoter in combination with a DNA sequence which upon expression in plants leads to the above mentioned effects. Furthermore, described are plant cells and plants transformed with such recombinant DNA molecules.

Abstract: Described are plants not naturally capable of reducing dihydrokaempferol and containing a DNA sequence inserted according to recombinant DNA techniques which DNA sequence encodes a protein with the enzymatic activity of a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) with extended substrate specificity for dihydrokaempferol. Furthermore, methods for the production of said plants, recombinant vectors and the use of said plants for the breeding of plants and parts of plants with modified flower colour are described.