Required for meiotic double-strand break (DSB) formation, the initial event for meiotic recombination. Interacts with PRD1; this interaction facilitates a binding to PRD3. Specifically expressed in buds. In flowers, first detected at the early anther development stages with stronger expression at stages 6 and 7 (PubMed:22694475). Also observed during ovule development with high levels during meiosis (PubMed:22694475). Reduced fertility upon self-pollination, producing polyads with an abnormal number of microspores during pollen formation (PubMed:22694475). Meiocytes are defective in homologous chromosome synapsis and segregation (PubMed:22694475). Homologous recombination is severely affected during meiotic prophase I (PubMed:22694475).