Transcription repressor. Interacts specifically with the W box (5'-(T)TGAC[CT]-3'), a frequently occurring elicitor-responsive cis-acting element. Represses specifically gibberellic acid (GA)-induced promoters in aleurone cells, probably by interfering with GAM1 (PubMed:15047897). Regulates, probably indirectly, the activation of defense-related genes such as GF14E during defense response (By similarity). Modulates plant innate immunity against X.oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) (By similarity). Confers resistance to the virulent bacterial pathogen X.oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) 13751, probably via the regulation of NPR1 and PR1b defense signaling pathways (PubMed:16919842). Interacts with WRKY51; this interaction promotes W box binding of the complex WRKY51/WRKY71 in a zinc ion-dependent manner. Localized in nuclei of aleurone cells. Highly expressed in aleurone cells (PubMed:15047897). In seeds, predominantly present in the plumule, radicle and scutellum of the embryo. Expressed in roots, stems, young leaves and spikelets (PubMed:16919842). Induced by biotic elicitors (e.g. fungal chitin oligosaccharide and fungal cerebroside elicitors) and pathogen infection (e.g. the compatible pathogenic fungus M.grisea race 007, M.grisea crabgrass BR29). Accumulates in response to M.oryzae (By similarity). Triggered by defense signaling molecules, such as salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), 1-aminocyclo-propane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), wounding and pathogen infection (e.g. X.oryzae) (PubMed:16919842). Repressed by gibberellic acid (GA) (at protein level) (PubMed:15047897). Induced by abscisic acid (ABA) in aleurone cells, roots and leaves (PubMed:25110688). Accumulates in response to uniconazole, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor. Triggered strongly by cold in leaves, stems and developing spikes, but moderately by drought and salt stresses (By similarity). The WRKY domain (213-266) is required to bind DNA. The C-terminal region (267-348) is required for the repressing activity on gibberellic acid (GA)-induced promoters. Belongs to the WRKY group II-a family.