Transcription factor polynucleotides and polypeptides incorporated into expression vectors have been introduced into plants and were ectopically expressed. Transgenic plants transformed with many of these expression vectors have been shown to be more resistant to disease (in some cases, to more than one pathogen), or more tolerant to an abiotic stress (in some cases, to more than one abiotic stress). The abiotic stress may include salt, hyperosmotic stress, heat, cold, drought, or low nitrogen conditions.