The present disclosure provides a novel modified gene, rGRF3, or an ortholog thereof, which is shown to be decoupled from control by miR396, particularly in the presence of over-expression of at least one GIF gene, such as GIF1, AtGIF 2, AtGIF 3, Os11g40100, Os12g31350, Os03g52320 or combinations thereof. When present in a plant, the rGRF3 results in a phenotype of increased productivity (e.g. increased yield, increased biomass, increased stress resistance, increased seed production, increased seed yield, increased root growth, increased root elongation speed, delayed leaf senescence or increased drought tolerance and combinations thereof).
