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Elements and Performance Criteria
Performance Evidence
Knowledge Evidence
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
definition of disease and basic concepts of plant pathology, including:plant pathogens, pests and disordersmacro organisms, microorganismsdisease classification guidesvirulence, phenology, prognosis and disease severity and extenteconomics and tree diseasestrees species; their growing environment and relationship to diseases, including:taxonomic identificationtree anatomy, physiology, pathologylife cycle stages and characteristics of trees and their vulnerabilitiesprimary cellular and anatomical structures of treescritical systems in trees and relationship to plant health, including physiological and biochemicalnatural defence mechanisms and systems of treesimplications of growing season, climate and regional characteristics on tree species and disease developmentcultural practices, including mulching, irrigation, pruningimpact of soil or media on tree health, including:chemical and physical characteristicstest and test results indicating tree nutrient, and growth health issuescontrolling soil and environmental problemsidentification of signs and symptoms of tree health problems, including:disease detection and identification methodspatterns of host–disease interaction for each major disease typenomenclature of symptoms and signs of pathogens, pests and disordersdescribing the nature and severity of disease infection, including:chronic and acutepassive and aggressiveseasonal and ongoinglocalised and unconfinedmethods for managing pathogens, pests and disorders, including:mechanical control practicalitieschemical use, toxicity and safety, compatibility and off-target considerationsmanaging the cultural factors, growing conditions and environmentmanaging soil fertility and ameliorationbiological control and working with natural agents to control pathogens, pests and growing environmentimportance and use of Integrated Pest Management strategiesbiosecurity and basic principles of hygiene in arboricultural workconstraints to disease management, including:timing and scheduling treatmentscost and budgetary constraintsperceived and real value of infected tree tree diseases collection and diagnosis, including: collecting, preserving, securing and storing specimens and examples of tree pathogens, pests and disordersbiosecurity risks and mitigation when collecting and storing specimenspreparation of specimens for diagnosticsmicroscopic and macroscopic examinationsmicroscope slide preparationmethods of providing a reasoned prognosishorticultural function, cultural and performance requirements and characteristics of the trees or other woody plantsprocesses and principles of researching tree health problems, diagnoses and remedial treatment availableindustry standards and terminology to describe disease attributesrecording and reporting tree disease prognosis and management strategies, including:written documentationoral presentations.