Abstract: Novel used for WIPK, a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, are provided, based on the discovery that the WIPK protein is activatable in association with development or enhancement of resistance to microbial pathogens. Thus, WIPK may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against certain microbial pathogens. Methods are disclosed for making WIPK transgenic plants with enchanced resistance to disease causing agents. In addition, transgenic plants transformed with WIPK and having enhanced disease resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: A salicylic acid-induced protein (SIP) kinase is disclosed. The kinase has a molecular weight of about 48 kDa and is activated in response to salicylic acid, H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and infection with tobacco mosaic virus. The activation and enzymatic properties of the purified protein have been characterized. The partial amino acid sequence and complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding the SIP kinase demonstrate that it is a unique member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family. The novel SIP kinase may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against microbial pathogens.