Inability to produce offspring

Plant genetic material can be spread long distances by pollen, seeds, and fruits. Sterile plants do not produce viable pollen or seeds.

Male sterile and female sterile lines are available for some cultivated species.

Genetic engineering can be used to induce male or female sterility in some crops.

• Sterile plant lines can be an appealing option if gene spread is undesired. This approach is primarily applicable to crops that do not require fertilisaiton and seed-set for their economic value. One example of this would be forest products.
• Male sterile plants can be used to facilitate the production of hybrids by preventing unwanted self-pollination.