Abstract: Compositions and methods of use for the expression of plant pathogen defense-related and signaling genes are provided. The compositions include nucleotide sequences identified from tomato that show specific patterns of gene expression associated with the Avr-Pto mediated defense response in tomato plants resistant to bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato [strain T1(A)]. The nucleotide sequences are specific to genes that are up-regulated or down-regulated in response to the interaction of AvrPto and Pto in the presence of Prf. These compositions have agricultural utility for increasing resistance to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including plant pathogens.