Peptide REF1 is a systemin-independent local wound signal that promotes plant regeneration. The study identified REF1 as a key regulator of both local defense responses and regenerative responses in plants. REF1 is perceived by the receptor PORK1, which activates the master transcription factor WIND1 to promote regeneration. The REF1-PORK1 signaling pathway provides a conserved phytokinin pathway to initiate, amplify, and stabilize a signaling cascade that orchestrates wound-triggered organ regeneration. Application of REF1 enhances the regeneration and transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops by boosting their regeneration capacity. This discovery offers a simple method to improve the transformation efficiency of difficult-to-transform crops, including both dicots and monocots.Peptide REF1 is a systemin-independent local wound signal that promotes plant regeneration. The study identified REF1 as a key regulator of both local defense responses and regenerative responses in plants. REF1 is perceived by the receptor PORK1, which activates the master transcription factor WIND1 to promote regeneration. The REF1-PORK1 signaling pathway provides a conserved phytokinin pathway to initiate, amplify, and stabilize a signaling cascade that orchestrates wound-triggered organ regeneration. Application of REF1 enhances the regeneration and transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops by boosting their regeneration capacity. This discovery offers a simple method to improve the transformation efficiency of difficult-to-transform crops, including both dicots and monocots.