Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring stress tolerance are presented herein, along with compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a DTP4 polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods for plant transformation, for improving transformation efficiency, and for producing transgenic plants are provided. The methods comprise crossing a recipient plant from a genetic line of a plant species of interest with a donor plant selected from a transformation competent genetic line of the same plant species or of another closely related plant species to obtain a hybrid plant. Tissues obtained from the hybrid plant are transformation competent. These tissues can then be transformed with one or more nucleotide sequences of interest and selected for transgenic events having the nucleotide sequence of interest integrated within a chromosome derived from the recipient plant. Transformed cells can be selected and transgenic hybrid plants regenerated. The nucleotide sequence of interest can be introgressed into the genetic line from which the original recipient parent was derived, or into other genetic lines. Transformed plants and seeds are additionally provided.