The present invention describes a novel plant hydroxysteroid dehydrogenasegene, (HSD) that is involved in a variety of physiological processes in higherplants. The novel gene product has a degree of similarity to mammalian ß-11-hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase genes, known to control the conversion of steroids from activeto inactive forms. In plants, the over expression of the HSD gene results in transgenicplants with significantly greater biomass and vigour, increased seed yield,increased tolerance to salt and a suppression of ABA mediated seed dormancy.
