Abstract: A method for increasing the levels of a cell protectant, such as sucrose or proline, in a cell is provided. Additionally, a method for modifying the fatty acid composition of a cell is provided. These methods may be used to enhance the cold or freezing tolerance, or drought or high salt tolerance of a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a non-naturally occurring binding protein comprising an amino acid sequence capable of binding to a CCG regulatory sequence and an amino acid sequence which forms a transcription activation region. In particular the invention comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of an AP2 domain of SEQ. I.D. Nos. 13, 15, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, and 95. When these proteins are overexpressed in a plant the plant exhibits increased tolerance to environmental stresses such as cold, freezing, drought or high salinity.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the biomass of a plant and levels of a cell protectant in a plant, such as sucrose or proline, or plant cell are provided. The methods comprise altering expression levels of a polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a C-repeat/DRE binding factor (CBF)-related polypeptide in a plant and identifying plants so altered.. These methods may be used to enhance yield, or cold, freezing, drought, and high salt tolerance of a plant or plant cell.