Compositions and methods for cognitive protection of pollinators against pesticides

Compositions and methods for protecting insect pollinators against the harmful cognitive effects of pesticides are disclosed. The compositions are suitable for administration to or ingestion by an insect pollinator and contain one or more phenolic compounds, such as the flavonoids quercetin, rutin, kaempferol and p-coumaric acid in an effective amount to protect against pesticide-induced impairment of a cognitive function of the insect pollinator. Methods of using such compositions for preventing or reducing pesticide-induced impairment of cognitive functions including learning, memory, decision-making, motor activity, and navigation in an insect pollinator are also provided. The compositions and methods protect insect pollinators including honeybees and bumblebees against neurotoxic pesticides with different pharmacodynamics including neonicotinoids, such as Imidacloprid, fipronil, and pyrethroids, such as deltamethrin.