The present invention relates to a method of increasing yield of a plant. This method involves applying to a plant and/or area of cultivation thiophanate methyl and an isolated hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide fragment, wherein said applying is carried out under conditions effective to induce a synergistic yield from the plant. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising a liquid or solid carrier, thiophanate methyl, and an isolated hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide fragment.