The instant description provides reporter constructs, transgenic cells, and transgenic organisms and methods for identifying agents that can regulate gene expression and improve plant performance and yield. Compounds that increase plant performance or yield are identified by contacting a test compound with a plant cell that comprises a target promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding a DNA sequence-specific transactivator, and a reporter polynucleotide that is operably linked to a promoter sequence that is recognized by the DNA sequence-specific transactivator. The target promoter sequence can be recognized by a transcriptional regulatory polypeptide capable of modulating specific signaling pathways that enhance plant performance or yield.