The present invention relates to Brassica sequences comprising early stage seed-specific and endosperm-preferential promoter activity. Provided are recombinant genes comprising the early stage seed-specific and endosperm-preferential promoter operably linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, and cells, plants and seeds comprising the recombinant gene. The promoters can be used to alter gene expression specifically in the seeds at early developmental stages and preferentially in the endosperm and to alter biotic or abiotic stress tolerance, yield, seed quality or seed properties.