Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of clonally propagating crop plant material in a hydroponic environment. The methods are useful for evaluating transgenic crop plants following transformation or expanding the number of genetically identical plants and seed generated therefrom. The methods comprise removing a part from a crop plant, such as a shoot or stem, and placing it in a hydroponic medium sufficient to support the development of one or more roots in the hydroponic medium. The new plant can then be grown under suitable conditions into a mature crop plant.

Abstract: Polynucleotides are disclosed which are capable of enhancing a growth, yield under water-limited conditions, and/or increased tolerance to an environmental stress of a plant transformed to contain such polynucleotides. Also provided are methods of using such polynucleotides and transgenic plants and agricultural products, including seeds, containing such polynucleotides as transgenes.