During the 1999 pollination season (August 1999 through November 1999), conditions of extended blossoming were experienced on plums, pears and apples. This was caused (it is believed) by an excessively long and dry Autumn (Fall). The extended flowering period necessitated keeping bees in orchards for up to 30 days. Logistically this caused conflicts, as colonies are often rented out for more than one sequential crop. Bees could not/would not be freed by fruit producers. The situation has resulted in embarrassment to advisors, who, in the past, were able to predict a flowering period of 7 days to (max.) 21 days. The Western Cape Bee Industry Association's Pollination Forum is currently gathering information whereby advice is sought regarding the establishment of a "pollination window" clause within their draft pollination agreement. Advice from horticulturists and growers is also solicited regarding the validity of the assumption that: (a) plums should have set a crop or start becoming unattractive to bees within 14 days (b) Pears (delivered in two sets) within 2 x 7 days (c) Apples within 14 days (c) over and above the three directives, all bees should/should be removed by full bloom date plus two days. Climatic conditions this year mirror those of the previous season. Conditions of extended blossom are again predicted. Your experience would be appreciated. Robert Post South Africa