Transcription factor. Interacts specifically with the W box (5'-(T)TGAC[CT]-3'), a frequently occurring elicitor-responsive cis-acting element (By similarity). Together with WRKY70, negative regulator of developmental senescence, probably via the regulation of several senescence-associated markers genes (PubMed:22268143). Positive regulator of EDS1-dependent defense against E.amylovora (PubMed:22316300). In collaboration with WRKY70, prevents stomatal closure and, consequently, osmotic stress tolerance (PubMed:23815736). Together with WRKY46 and WRKY70, promotes brassinosteroid (BR)-regulated plant growth but prevent drought response by modulating gene expression (PubMed:28576847). Negative regulator of SA biosynthesis (PubMed:28837631). Prevents defense response to the necrotrophic pathogens P.carotovorum and B.cinerea, but promotes defense against biotrophic/hemibiotrophic pathogens P.syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000, probably by regulating negatively the jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) and positively the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways (PubMed:28837631). Interacts with WRKY30 (PubMed:22268143). Binds to BZR2/BES1 to cooperatively regulate the expression of target genes. Interacts with ASK7/BIN2 (PubMed:28576847). Expressed in leaves. In leaves, level increases gradually up to the point of leaf senescence. Induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA) (PubMed:22268143). Early but transient accumulation after osmotic stress (e.g. polyethylene glycol, PEG) (PubMed:23815736). Up-regulated by E.amylovora (PubMed:22316300). Phosphorylated and destabilized by ASK7/BIN2. Promotion of leaf senescence associated with abnormal expression levels of several senescence-associated markers genes. The double mutant wrky54 wrky70 exhibits stronger leaf senescence symptoms (PubMed:22268143). Increase in the number of necrotic leaves and in the intensity of necrosis in response to E.amylovora (PubMed:22316300). The double mutant wrky54 wrky70 exhibits an enhanced tolerance to osmotic stress associated with improved water retention and enhanced stomatal closure as well as salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, but a reduced induction of osmotic stress-responsive genes and reduced accumulation of the osmoprotectant proline (PubMed:23815736). Unstressed wrky54 wrky70 double mutant exhibits increased levels of SA, moderate accumulation of hydrogen peroxide H(2)O(2) and up-regulated expression of both SA and JA/ethylene (ET) responsive defense related genes; thus promoting cell wall fortification and consequently enhancing resistance to necrotrophic pathogens (e.g. P.carotovorum and B.cinerea) associated with reduced cell death, but is not sufficient to trigger hypersensitive reaction (HR)-like cell death and resistance to biotrophic/hemibiotrophic pathogens (e.g. P.syringae), characterized by reduced amount of callose (PubMed:28837631). The triple mutant wrky46 wrky54 wrky70 has defects in brassinosteroid (BR)-regulated growth and is more tolerant to drought stress (PubMed:28576847). Belongs to the WRKY group III family.