A chemical agent applied to crops or environments that disrupts the reproductive system of targeted insects or animal pests. Rather than killing the adult organism outright, it prevents them from producing viable offspring. This leads to a rapid population crash in subsequent generations without relying on highly toxic lethal pesticides.
Heard on the job
We're testing a new chemosterilant on the fruit flies to see if it knocks down the population faster than the standard bait traps.
Insider tip
These compounds are often used in integrated pest management programs alongside traps and biological controls to minimize environmental toxicity.