The present report covers the first quarterly period of the Variometh project, running from July to October 2004. The project has been initiated thoroughly, following the planned framework and focussing principally on the isolation of a full length clone of two oil palm methyltransferases MET1 and CMT (Chromomethylase), in the aim of initiating expression studies on normal/mantled plant material. RNA samples imported from IRD-Cirad Laboratory have been checked for integrity and concentration. Two sets of specific primers spanning over MET1 introns have been designed, based on sequence homology with rice MET1 protein and they have been further tested on oil palm samples. Preliminary RACE experiments have been initiated, in order to complement the 5' end of the MET1 clone previously isolated by Dr Estelle Jaligot during her Lavoisier Post Doctoral stay in Dr Finnegan's group (Apr. 2003 - Jan. 2004). In parallel, experimentations on Arabidopsis have been initiated, in order to implement a series of works based on arrays technology (DNA chips) on MET2-deficient material. In order to cultivate fresh oil palm material dedicated to further chromatin studies, procedures for the importation of germinated seeds from NBPOL-Dami (Papua New Guinea) and Socfindo (Indonesia) have been initiated. Participation to CSIRO weekly internal seminars (Labchats, Journal club and "Flowering group" meetings, RSBS-ANU lectures) has proven an excellent way to get familiarised with major research topics addressed in the Genomics and Plant Development Group. The tenure of IPGSA (International Plant Growth Substances Association) Conference in ANU Canberra (Sept, 24-29) provided an excellent opportunity to meet the international community of molecular biologists and physiologists working on plant hormones and their physiological implications. The Contract MOIF-CT-2004-509893 VARIOMETH which manages the present project has been signed by the European Commission on October, 12th 2004. The official