Thanks to Dr. Immonen for raising the query of application of Genetic Use Restiction Technologies (GURT) with reference to forests [5 June]. The mere possibility of use of this particular technology in the agricultural sector has raised a lot of fundamental questions; ranging from control and monopoly to ethics and subsistence of farmers. However, reading the messages posted last week, the impression I get is that the GURTS or 'terminator technology' is not seen as being such a negative technology in forest trees at all. In fact, a strategy for controlled flowering (through GURT, or something similar) seems to be welcomed as the strategy of choice for forest plantations.

I would be interested in knowing whether there are other important differences concerning the ways in which new biotechnologies are seen for forests versus crops. Further, with respect to GURT, what then should be the policy options? How does one justify the concerns raised in one sector with the broad welcome in the other?

Thank you

K Ghosh, PhD
Genetic Resources Officer
Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
FAO
Rome, Italy

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