Dicer-like endonuclease involved in cleaving double-stranded RNA in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Produces 21 to 25 bp dsRNAs (siRNAs) which target the selective destruction of homologous RNAs leading to sequence-specific suppression of gene expression, called post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). Part of a broad host defense, DCL-2 is involved in antiviral defense against mycoviruses like the hypovirus CHV1-EP713 and the reovirus MyRV1-Cp9B21. Belongs to the helicase family. Dicer subfamily.