The present invention relates generally to a genetic sequence encoding apolypeptide having methyltransferase activity and the use of the geneticsequence and/or the polypeptide to modify one or more phenotypiccharacteristics of a plant. More particularly, the methyltransferase of thepresent invention acts on flavonoids, preferably wherein the flavonoid is ananthocyanin. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to apolypeptide having S-adenosyl-L-methionine: anthocyanin 3' -O-methyltransferase or S-adenosyl-L-methionine: anthocyanin 3', 5'-O-methyltransferase activity. The present invention still further provides agenetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having methyltransferase activityderived from Petunia, Torenia Fuchsia or Plumbago or botanically relatedplants. The instant invention further relates to antisense and sense moleculescorresponding to all or part of the subject genetic sequence as well asgenetically modified plants as well as cut flowers, parts, extracts andreproductive tissue from such plants.
