Negative regulator of salt (NaCl) tolerance probably by enhancing abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity. Induced by abscisic acid (ABA) and salt stress (NaCl) (PubMed:20212128). Up-regulated by ZAT18 upon drought (PubMed:28586434). Decreased salt and abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity. Loss of function contributes to the increased salt (NaCl) tolerance of cv. Sha.