Transcription factor involved in carotenoid biosynthesis regulation. Binds to the 5'-ATCTA-3' element present in the promoter of phytoene synthase (PSY) and phytoene desaturase (PDS). Involved in ethylene response and resistance to necrotrophic pathogens. Acts as a downstream regulator in the ethylene signaling pathway. Partially redundant with RAP2-12. Interacts with MED25 and SINAT2. Constitutive in flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. Up-regulated by darkness, ethylene and Botrytis cinerea. Lethal when homozygous. May be due to a competing donor splice site. Belongs to the AP2/ERF transcription factor family. ERF subfamily.