Directs the termination of nascent peptide synthesis (translation) in response to the termination codons UAA, UAG and UGA (By similarity). Modulates plant growth and development (PubMed:21175633). Heterodimer of two subunits, one of which binds GTP (Probable). Interacts with OR (PubMed:21175633). Plants silencing ERF1-2 show increased elongation of the leaf petiole. Belongs to the eukaryotic release factor 1 family.