What is the purpose of a sterilant?

The purpose of a sterilant is primarily to prevent the normal reproduction of pests. Sterilants are chemicals used to eliminate the reproductive capability of certain organisms, rendering them incapable of producing offspring. This is particularly useful in pest control, as it aids in managing pest populations by interrupting their life cycle and reducing their numbers over time.

In contrast, the other options describe different functions. Killing plant tissue is associated with herbicides, which target unwanted plant growth. Enhancing plant growth is related to fertilizers or growth regulators, which are designed to benefit plant development rather than control pests. Attracting pests for control relates to baiting or trapping methods, which is a different pest control strategy that relies on luring pests rather than preventing their reproduction. Thus, the main role of a sterilant is to inhibit reproduction, aligning with the correct answer.