An apple AP2/EREBP-type transcription factor, MdWRI4, enhances plant resistance to abiotic stress by increasing cuticular wax load

•We identified an AP2/EREBP-type transcription factor, MdWRI4, from apple and demonstrated that it was localized in the nucleus.•The MdWRI4 gene was highly expressed in the pericarp, and MdWRI4 transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited an increased cuticular wax load.•MdWRI4 transgenic Arabidopsis had lower epidermal permeability, and improved drought and salt resistance.