Encodes a member of the ERF (ethylene response factor) subfamily B-3 of ERF/AP2 transcription factor family. The protein contains one AP2 domain. There are 18 members in this subfamily including ATERF-1, ATERF-2, AND ATERF-5. Expression of ERF96 is induced by pathogens, JA and ethylene and over expression leads to increased resistance to resistance to necrotrophic pathogens. It is a nuclear localized, transcriptional activator that binds to GCC elements that is involved in positive regulation of ABA responses.