Probable transcription factor involved in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Required for the regulation of the cross-talk between NADPH oxidase, hydrogen peroxide and MAP kinase in ABA signaling. Regulates the expression of the NADPH oxidase genes RBOHB and RBOHE, and the MAPK genes MPK1, MPK4, MPK5, MPK7 and MPK14. Regulates ABA-induced hydrogen peroxide production and antioxidant defense. Required for tolerance to water stress and oxidative stress. Induced by abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide. Plants over-expressing ZFP36 display enhanced tolerance to drought and oxidative stresses (PubMed:25071223). A natural allele in the promoter of ZFP36 in the durably resistant rice variety Digu confers broad-spectrum resistance to rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) (PubMed:28666113).