What do chemosterilants do?

Chemosterilants are specifically designed to disrupt the reproductive capabilities of insects or pest vertebrates, rendering them incapable of reproducing. This is achieved through substances that affect the hormonal or physiological processes involved in reproduction. By sterilizing these pests, chemosterilants help control their populations over time without directly killing them, which can lead to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to pest management.

Although enhancing plant growth and eliminating harmful weeds are important aspects of pest management and agriculture, they are not the primary function of chemosterilants. Likewise, while preventing pest reproduction may seem related, it is precisely the sterilization aspect that distinguishes chemosterilants from other pest management strategies and directly aligns with the correct answer.