Transcriptional activator that binds specifically to the cis-acting element GCC box 5'-AGCCGCC-3', or to the CRT/DRE element 5'-[AG]CCGAC-3' (PubMed:25344007). Plays an important role in root development via root cell expansion regulation (PubMed:25344007). Transcriptional activator involved in the hypoxic stress response (PubMed:20113439, PubMed:21615413, PubMed:21946064). Plays a role in low oxygen signaling and contributes to tolerance to anoxia stress by enhancing anaerobic gene expression and ethanolic fermentation (PubMed:20113439, PubMed:22020279). Plays a role in the regulation of hypoxia-induced root slanting (PubMed:28698356). Contributes to the promotion of adventitious root elongation under hypoxia, an adaptation response that strengthens the root system in upper soil layers where oxygen shortage may last for shorter time periods (PubMed:29996004). Transcriptional activator involved in the osmotic stress response (PubMed:21946064). May play a role in defense response against the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum downstream of ethylene signaling (PubMed:31819723). Induced under hypoxic conditions in roots (PubMed:20113439, PubMed:21946064, PubMed:21615413, PubMed:28698356). Induced during hypoxia under nitrate nutrition (PubMed:30535180). Induced by osmotic stress (PubMed:21946064). Induced by infection with the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum (PubMed:31819723). In presence of oxygen, the N-terminal cysteine residue (Cys-2) of ERF71 can be oxidized by cysteine oxidases, thus preparing the protein for N-end rule pathway-mediated proteasomal degradation (Probable). Under low oxygen levels, Cys oxidation is prevented, ERF71 is stabilized and confers tolerance to hypoxia (Probable). Belongs to the AP2/ERF transcription factor family. ERF subfamily.