Filing date: 2002-03-28 -- Priority data: EP 01870069.0 (2001-03-28) US 60/301,912 (2001-06-29)Provided are DNA sequences encoding a novel type of AP2 domain-containing transcription factor as well as methods for obtaining similar sequences. Also described are methods for obtaining plants with improved growth and enhanced stress tolerance, particularly tolerance to osmotic and dehydration stress, such methods comprising expression of such DNA sequences in a plant or parts thereof. Further described are diagnostic compositions comprising the aforementioned DNA sequences and the use of such sequences in plant breeding and/or agriculture.Peer reviewed