REF1 is a local wound signal that promotes plant regeneration. In tomato, REF1 acts as a system-independent local wound signal that primarily regulates local defense responses and regenerative responses. The receptor PORK1 perceives REF1 for plant regeneration, and the REF1-PORK1 signaling pathway activates the master transcription factor WIND1, which is essential for wound-induced cellular reprogramming. REF1 enhances regeneration efficiency in recalcitrant crops by boosting their regeneration capacity. The study identified that the SPR9 gene encodes the precursor of SlPep, a plant elicitor peptide. Depletion of the SlPep precursor gene or its receptor gene abolished regeneration capacity, while overexpression enhanced it. Exogenous application of SlPep significantly increased regeneration capacity, and SlPep was designated as REF1. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the REF1 signaling pathway promotes regeneration through activating SlWIND1. Furthermore, SlWIND1 amplifies the REF1 signal through transcriptional activation of the REF1 precursor gene. REF1 acts as a local wound signal promoting plant regeneration. The discovery of REF1 provides a convenient method to enhance the transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops by boosting their regeneration capacity. REF1 is a system-independent local wound signal that primarily regulates local defense responses. SlPep is also a regeneration factor, and its application enhances regeneration and transformation efficiency in recalcitrant crops. REF1-induced regeneration is PORK1 dependent, and PORK1 is the receptor of REF1. REF1-PORK1 signaling promotes regeneration through activating SIWIND1 expression. SIWIND1 mediates the amplification of the REF1 signal in response to wounding. REF1 boosts regeneration and transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops, including both dicots and monocots. The study highlights the importance of REF1 in plant regeneration and transformation. The findings suggest that REF1 is a key factor in plant regeneration and transformation, and its application can significantly improve the regeneration and transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops.REF1 is a local wound signal that promotes plant regeneration. In tomato, REF1 acts as a system-independent local wound signal that primarily regulates local defense responses and regenerative responses. The receptor PORK1 perceives REF1 for plant regeneration, and the REF1-PORK1 signaling pathway activates the master transcription factor WIND1, which is essential for wound-induced cellular reprogramming. REF1 enhances regeneration efficiency in recalcitrant crops by boosting their regeneration capacity. The study identified that the SPR9 gene encodes the precursor of SlPep, a plant elicitor peptide. Depletion of the SlPep precursor gene or its receptor gene abolished regeneration capacity, while overexpression enhanced it. Exogenous application of SlPep significantly increased regeneration capacity, and SlPep was designated as REF1. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the REF1 signaling pathway promotes regeneration through activating SlWIND1. Furthermore, SlWIND1 amplifies the REF1 signal through transcriptional activation of the REF1 precursor gene. REF1 acts as a local wound signal promoting plant regeneration. The discovery of REF1 provides a convenient method to enhance the transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops by boosting their regeneration capacity. REF1 is a system-independent local wound signal that primarily regulates local defense responses. SlPep is also a regeneration factor, and its application enhances regeneration and transformation efficiency in recalcitrant crops. REF1-induced regeneration is PORK1 dependent, and PORK1 is the receptor of REF1. REF1-PORK1 signaling promotes regeneration through activating SIWIND1 expression. SIWIND1 mediates the amplification of the REF1 signal in response to wounding. REF1 boosts regeneration and transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops, including both dicots and monocots. The study highlights the importance of REF1 in plant regeneration and transformation. The findings suggest that REF1 is a key factor in plant regeneration and transformation, and its application can significantly improve the regeneration and transformation efficiency of recalcitrant crops.