Transcription repressor. Interacts specifically with the W box (5'-(T)TGAC[CT]-3'), a frequently occurring elicitor-responsive cis-acting element (PubMed:18175928, PubMed:15047897, PubMed:16623886). Represses specifically gibberellic acid (GA)-induced promoters in aleurone cells, probably by interfering with GAM1 (PubMed:15047897, PubMed:16623886, PubMed:19199048). Regulates, probably indirectly, the activation of defense-related genes such as GF14E during defense response (PubMed:18175928, PubMed:26851365, PubMed:26467468). Modulates plant innate immunity against X.oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) (PubMed:21961049). Confers resistance to the virulent bacterial pathogen 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, PubMed:16623886). In seeds, predominantly present in the plumule, radicle and scutellum of the embryo (PubMed:16623886). 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) (PubMed:18175928, PubMed:19772648, PubMed:23462973). Accumulates in response to M.oryzae (PubMed:21726398). 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, PubMed:19199048). Induced by abscisic acid (ABA) in aleurone cells, roots and leaves (PubMed:15618416, PubMed:16623886). Accumulates in response to uniconazole, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor (PubMed:16623886). Triggered strongly by cold in leaves, stems and developing spikes, but moderately by drought and salt stresses (PubMed:14645724, PubMed:23495849). 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. Impaired repression activity on gibberellic acid (GA)-induced promoters. Belongs to the WRKY group II-a family.