The invention relates to a method for selection of modified plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, and methods of producing transgenic plants having advantageous properties, including increased biotic resistance and abiotic stress tolerance, as compared to wild-type or control plants. Without modifications, the transcription factor sequences, when overexpressed in plants, often produce adverse morphological and developmental effects. The disclosed method allows selection of modifications that mitigate these adverse morphological and developmental effects.