This volume is a succinct but comprehensive list of genetically modified crops available in the world at the time of going to press. It is incredibly useful to have all of this information in the same place and although in this fast moving industry it will become rapidly dated, this will be easily remedied with the publication of future editions. This slim volume will become a fat one.

An informative and very clear introduction aimed at the non-specialist sets the scene for the rest of the book, which is a compendium of commercial transgenic crop materials. Each entry details name and structure of the transgene, clear indications of function, possible side effects (particularly environmental), history and dates of registration and, very importantly, listing the specific benefits of the transgene/modified crop. The layout conveniently splits traits into the so-called ‘input’ and ‘output’ traits. Input traits comprise disease, herbicide and insect resistance traits, and have the most entries. Output traits are a developing area but already include more efficient nutrient and water utilisation and modified products (improved quality, for example modified fatty acids or reduced nicotine, and modified development, such as male sterility or delayed ripening).

The final section comprises questionably useful glossaries of Latin-English names, a useful list of contact addresses and a good index. The information density in this volume is high and as a single source of reference it is to be recommended.