In recent years there has been a worldwide decline in bee and pollinator populations. Various commentators have attributed this decline to the use of neonicotinoid insecticides as seed treatments in intensive agriculture. This led to a decision by the European Union Commission in December 2013 to order a 2-year suspension on the use of the neonicotinoids clothianindin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. It is the case, however, that bee populations have declined even in areas where crops are not grown and insecticides have not been used. Furthermore, the presence of Varroa mites in bee colonies, decline in feeding habitats and even the weather have also been implicated in bee decline. The available science suggests that many factors are involved in pollinator decline, including pesticide use, and that these factors may be acting in various combinations. Indeed, the UK Government's Chemical Regulation Directive has concluded that the neonicotinoids are safe to use.

So, is the EU moratorium justified, or are these chemicals safe for bees? This issue has become increasingly politicized in the media, with predictable statements from campaign groups with their own agenda against pesticide use, whilst farmers and growers are well aware of the consequences of fewer pollinators on crop production and yield. How then can we obtain impartial scientific data to assess the risk of insecticides on pollinating species?

This book is a highly relevant and a timely contribution to this controversial topic. It describes the proceedings of a workshop held in Florida, USA, on January 16–22, 2011, entitled, “Potential Risks of Plant Protection Products to Pollinators”. It was part of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Pellston series of workshops in which scientists are brought together to discuss a relevant scientific topic.

Early Chapters provide a helpful biological background of honey bee (Apis mellifera) and non-Apis bee biology. It appears that most current knowledge on the effects of pesticides on pollinators is related to the honey bee, as a non-target arthropod. The inclusion of non-Apis bees as test organisms is discussed. Following chapters give detailed accounts of the risk assessment process for pesticides and introduce the concept of Problem Formulation, the first step in an ecological risk assessment, with questions designed to assess the characteristics of pesticide exposure and stress, ecosystems potentially at risk and actual ecological effects of the stressor. Helpful case studies include a systemic pesticide applied as a seed dressing or as a contact chemical applied as a foliar spray. The text then considers in detail the exposure of pesticides to bees, laboratory toxicity testing, semi-field and field-testing. Further chapters address ecological modelling for pollinators, statistical analysis of data, mitigation scenarios and recommendations for future research to improve the risk assessment for pesticide interactions with pollinators. Six appendices provide practical protocols for studies of chronic adult bee oral toxicity, larval mortality, artificial flower feeding, visual learning, foraging behaviour and an overall risk assessment scheme.

We now await the application of these methodologies by independent researchers to provide a definitive account of the risks associated with the present and future use of the neonicotinoid insecticides. Using this information, National Pollinator Strategies can be established, underpinned by a detailed evidence-base, to halt the decline of these important species, crucial to agricultural productivity.

The text is comprehensive, detailed and well-referenced. It is well-produced and presented to a high standard, with valuable tables and figures. A helpful glossary of terms and acronyms, plus a useful index, is also included. It will become an essential text for environmental scientists, agricultural practitioners, pesticide scientists and Government bodies. It is a shame, however, that the book has taken three and a half years from conference to publication.