Transcription factor (PubMed:23067202, PubMed:23603962). Represses the expression of protein phosphatases 2C in response to abscisic acid (ABA). Confers resistance to abiotic stresses dependent of ABA (PubMed:18162593, PubMed:9678577). In response to auxin, activates the transcription of the auxin-responsive gene IAA19. The IAA19 transcription activation by MYB44 is enhanced by direct interaction between MYB44 and PYL8 (PubMed:24894996). Transcriptional activator of WRKY70 by direct binding to its promoter region, especially at 5'-TAACNG-3' and 5'-CNGTTA-3' symmetric motifs (PubMed:23067202, PubMed:23603962). Activates salicylic acid (SA)- mediated defenses and subsequent resistance to biotrophic pathogen P.syringae pv. tomato DC3000, but represses jasmonic acid (JA)-mediated defenses responses against the necrotrophic pathogen A.brassicicola (PubMed:23067202). Interacts with PYL8. Expressed in roots, stems, leaves, inflorescence, and flowers (including stamen, floral nectar, carpel, petal and sepal), mostly in vasculatures and stomata. Expressed during very late stages of embryogenesis. Later, its expression follows a development dependent gradient in successive leaves. By drought, cold, high salinity, cadmium (CdCl(2)), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonate (JA), ethylene, gibberellic acid (GA), and ABA (PubMed:16463103, PubMed:18162593, PubMed:23067202). The induction by JA is COI1-dependent (PubMed:23067202). Increased defense responses against the necrotrophic pathogen A.brassicicola. Down-regulation of salicylic acid (SA)- mediated WRKY70 and PR genes expression, leading to reduced resistance to the biotrophic pathogen P.syringae pv. tomato DC3000.