Cytoplasmic male sterility is total or partial male sterility in plants as the result of specific nuclear and mitochondrial interactions. Male sterility is the failure of plants to produce functional anthers, pollen, or male gametes.
Among the factors that can cause male infertility are semen disorders, systemic disease, genital infection, genetic defects, and drugs. Also cocktails of pesticides and other chemicals in the environment are believed to be affecting male foetuses by blocking testosterone in the womb or imitating oestrogen, so disrupting male sexual development and function.