Seedless Several technical methods that provide genetic switch mechanisms have been described in recent patent applications.

Such mechanisms, which aim to restrict the use of genetic material are named Genetic Use Restriction Technologies (GURTs). The genetic switch can be used to restrict further multiplication by turning the seed sterile (Variety-GURT or V-GURT, or in the popular press: terminator technology), or to control the expression of certain traits (T-GURT). At least three general V-GURT strategies can be distinguished. The first strategy makes use of induced activation of a disrupter gene that can inhibit embryo formation (Delta & PineLand/USDA concept). This gene is held dormant by a genetic blockade throughout the seed multiplication process. When the seed is treated before sale to end users, a cascade of events leads to expression of the disrupter in the second generation seed: farm-saved seed will not germinate. The technology is not yet operational: proof is lacking as yet for efficient control of the recombinase. Also effective application of the inducer chemicals to the seed in order to avoid escapes has not been reached yet. 90 Seed Policy, Legislation and Law: Widening a Narrow Focus Technically, these systems using a recombinase activity have a lot in common with methodologies to arrive at marker-free transformed plants, which is increasingly required by biosafety regulations. In the second strategy, the breeder applies a chemical throughout multiplication, but stops to do so before selling the seed (Zeneca concept). In this concept a disrupter gene is expressed in the seed by default, resulting in sterile seed. This system works in the laboratory, but needs further work in order to be effective in the field (Kuvshinov et al., 2001). The third strategy focuses on

vegetatively reproducing crops like root and tuber crops and ornamentals. In this concept a gene that blocks growth is expressed by default. This causes the cutting not to form adventitious roots, thus avoiding further multiplication. The ability to form roots can be restored by induction of a second gene. In T-GURT concepts only a genetic trait is switched on or off at will. This can be realised by different strategies: inducible promoters that regulate the expression of a gene, induced gene silencing, or by excision of the transgene using a recombinase (Zuo & Cha, 2000). Potentially, such technologies may be used to switch on genes that increase characteristics like drought tolerance only when drought occurs.