Abstract: Polynucleotides isolated from chickpea are disclosed herein. The disclosed polynucleotides of the present invention provide genotype-dependent spatial information on the presence and relative abundance of each gene. The transcriptomic analysis of the polynucleotides revealed (649) non-cannonical genes besides many unexpected candidates with known biochemical functions, which have never been associated with pathostress-responsive transcriptome. The polynucleotides disclosed in the present invention can be used as a molecular tool for isolation of novel genes from plants that can be used for plant improvement. Further, the polynucleotide responsible for improving immunity against fungal pathogen in plants is disclosed herein. The present invention also provides a method of improving immunity against fungal pathogen in plants. Transgenic plants exhibiting improved immunity against fungal pathogen are also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to transgenic plants over-expressing a unique light-regulated transcription factor, Z-box binding factor involving in plant growth and development, found in plant. Overexpression of the Z-box binding factor in plant results in early flowering, lateral root development and increased tolerance to environmental and abiotic stresses compared to wild type and mutant plants. The disclosure further provides identification and functional characterization of Z-box binding factor. The disclosure also provides a method for modifying a plant's traits, such as enhanced productivity and increased tolerance to environmental and abiotic stresses.