In a transgenic plant, a stress-responsive promoter containing CE3 and
ABRE2 from HVA1 ABRC3 and CE1 from HVA22 ABRC1, directs low background
expression of a gene under normal growth conditions, but is highly
inducible by an abiotic stress, such as abscisic acid, dehydration, salt
or cold. Compared with the wild type plant, the transgenic plant that
expresses a stress-resistant gene under the control of the
stress-responsive promoter is more resistant and/or tolerant to abiotic
stresses and exhibits similar or higher growth rate and strength under
regular or normal environmental conditions.