Transcription repressor required for the formation and development of tiller buds and panicles (PubMed:25697101). Required for tiller formation and female sterility (PubMed:27194802). Required for the early developmental stages of axillary meristem formation (PubMed:25841039). Plays a role in maintaining the axillary premeristem zone and in promoting the formation of the axillary meristem by promoting OSH1 expression (PubMed:25841039). Does not seem to be involved in maintenance of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) (PubMed:25841039). Interacts with TPR1, TPR2 and TPR3. Expressed in young leaf primordia. Expressed in branch an floral meristems. Transiently expressed in the shoot apex. Induced by the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine. Disrupted formation of tiller buds, and female sterility (PubMed:25697101). Defects in axillary bud formation, and partial defects in branching of the panicle (PubMed:25841039). Belongs to the WUS homeobox family.