Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for enhancing drought tolerance in plants. Nucleic acid constructs therefore are also described. Transgenic plants are also provided that exhibit enhanced agronomic properties. The inventors have demonstrated increased drought tolerance in connection with increased expression of the Xa21 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing drought and/or salt tolerance in plants. Nucleic acid constructs therefore are also described. Transgenic plants are also provided that exhibit enhanced agronomic properties. The inventors have demonstrated increased drought and salt tolerance in connection with increased expression of the Xb3 gene.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for enhancing drought tolerance in plants. Nucleic acid constructs therefore are also described. Transgenic plants are also provided that exhibit enhanced agronomic properties. The inventors have demonstrated increased drought tolerance in connection with increased expression of the Xa21 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing drought and/or salt tolerance in plants. Nucleic acid constructs therefore are also described. Transgenic plants are also provided that exhibit enhanced agronomic properties. The inventors have demonstrated increased drought and salt tolerance in connection with increased expression of the Xb3 gene.

Abstract: Plasmid DNA from single yeast colonies was efficiently amplified using rolling circle amplification (RCA). The amplified DNA was directly used for restriction digestion, DNA sequencing, and yeast transformation. The RCA of plasmid DNA from single yeast colonies for direct retransformation of yeast simplifies conventional procedures for yeast two-hybrid analysis and is suitable for high-throughput analyses. In summary, we have developed several methods to manipulate plasmid DNA in yeast. It will greatly simplify a number of yeast-based molecular biology tools, particularly yeast two-hybrid analysis. The methods are very useful for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are purified nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having ubiquitin ligase activity and the ability to bind XA21. Also disclosed are methods of making disease-resistant plants and methods of screening compounds for the ability to enhance a disease-resistant phenotype in plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are purified nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having ubiquitin ligase activity and the ability to bind XA21. Also disclosed are methods of making disease-resistant plants and methods of screening compounds for the ability to enhance a disease-resistant phenotype in plants.