Required for cytoplasm to vacuole transport (Cvt) vesicle formation and efficient autophagy (By similarity). Plays a role in ATG protein retrieval from the pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS) and is especially required for autophagy-dependent cycling of ATG9 (By similarity). Autophagy is required for proper vegetative growth, asexual/sexual reproduction, and full virulence (PubMed:28894236). Autophagy is particularly involved in the biosynthesis of deoxynivalenol (DON), an important virulence determinant (PubMed:28894236). Forms a complex with ATG9 and ATG27 (By similarity). Found in pre-autophagosomal structure and other punctate structures (By similarity). Correct localization of ATG23 to the membranes is strictly dependent of ATG9 (By similarity). Cycling through the pre-autophagosomal structure and correct location to other punctate structures is ATG1- and ATG13-dependent (By similarity). Significantly decreases the radial growth of colonies under nutrient-rich conditions (PubMed:28894236). Belongs to the ATG23 family.