Involved in the detoxification and scavenging of methylglyoxal (MG), a cytotoxic aldehyde produced in response to primary metabolism alteration observed during biotic and abiotic stresses (PubMed:31652571). Modulates cross-talk between salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways during defense responses to pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea (PubMed:29852537). Localized at the plasma membrane during methylglyoxal (MG) accumulation, but translocates to the cytoplasm upon jasmonate (MeJA) stimulus. Mostly expressed in roots, and, to a lower extent, in leaves, flowers, seeds and siliques. Accumulates in response to abiotic stresses such as cold, heat, drought, oxidative stress, genotoxic compounds, wounding, osmotic stress and UV-B (PubMed:21213008). Slightly induced by salt (NaCl) and nickel ions Ni(2+) (PubMed:30483284, PubMed:21213008). Strongly induced by methylglyoxal (MG) (PubMed:31652571). General stress phenotype, characterized by compromised methylglyoxal (MG) scavenging, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), stomatal closure, and reduced fitness associated with reduced leaf area and dry weight, as well as prolonged flowering time (PubMed:31652571). Increased susceptibility to the pathogenic fungus Plectospherella cucumerina which triggers mainly the jasmonate (JA)-mediated defense signaling pathway (PubMed:31652571). Abnormal cross-talk between salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways (PubMed:29852537). Belongs to the glyoxalase I family.