Cytoprotective ribonuclease (RNase) required for resistance to abiotic stresses, acting as a positive regulator of mRNA decapping during stress. Essential for the integrity and function of cytoplasmic messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes called stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (PBs), sites of post-transcriptional gene regulation during stress (e.g. salt and heat). Involved in gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis. Essential for stress tolerance, probably by regulating mRNAs entering the secretory pathway. Component of stress granules (SGs) that regulates growth under salt stress by modulating levels of GA20OX3 mRNA. Binds GA20OX3 mRNA. May inhibit the degradation of mRNAs involved in stress adaptation