Genetic use restriction technology

Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT), also known as "Terminator Technology," is a biotechnological method developed to restrict the use of genetically modified (GM) plants by causing second generation seeds to be sterile. This technology was primarily designed to protect the intellectual property of seed companies, preventing farmers from replanting seeds from their harvests, thereby ensuring that farmers must purchase new seeds for each planting season.

Overview

GURT involves the modification of the DNA of plants to control the germination of seeds. There are two main types of GURT: V-GURT (Variety-level GURT), which renders the seeds of a GM plant sterile, and T-GURT (Trait-level GURT), which requires the application of a chemical activator to activate the desired trait, such as resistance to pests or herbicides.

Development and Purpose

The technology was developed in the late 1990s with the aim of protecting the intellectual property rights of biotech companies and to prevent the unintended spread of genetically modified traits to non-GM crops or wild relatives. By ensuring that GM crops cannot reproduce, companies can maintain control over their proprietary genes and traits.

Controversy and Ethical Considerations

GURT has been the subject of significant controversy. Critics argue that it could negatively impact biodiversity by preventing the natural process of seed saving and exchange that has been practiced by farmers for millennia. There are also concerns about food security, as the technology could make farmers in developing countries dependent on purchasing seeds from multinational corporations every planting season.

Proponents of GURT argue that it can prevent the unintended spread of GM traits, which is a major concern for both environmental safety and the purity of non-GM crops. They also claim that the technology could be used to control the distribution of GM crops that are designed to grow in specific environments, reducing the risk of invasive species.

Regulatory and Legal Aspects

The regulatory and legal landscape surrounding GURT is complex and varies by country. Some countries have implemented strict regulations or outright bans on the use of GURT in response to public outcry and concerns over food sovereignty and security. International treaties, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), have also addressed the issue, with parties to the CBD adopting a de facto moratorium on the technology in 2000.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of now, GURT has not been commercially deployed, largely due to the global controversy and regulatory challenges it faces. Research and development in the field continue, with some scientists exploring ways to use the technology for conservation and to ensure the safe use of GM crops. However, the future of GURT remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about its ethical implications, environmental risks, and socioeconomic impacts.

See Also

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
• Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology
• Bioethics
• Biodiversity
• Food Security