Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCSDT407A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform an endophytic seed test

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCSDT407A - Perform an endophytic seed test
Description This Unit covers the determination of the presence of fungal endophyte in certain grasses.
Employability Skills This Unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This Unit applies to senior seed analysts working within enterprise guidelines. In general, they oversee the preparation of samples for testing; conduct and supervise specified tests in accordance with enterprise requirements; interpret and report results; maintain record-keeping systems; and have responsibility for overall laboratory operations, the supervision of staff, and implementation of quality assurance procedures.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for endophyte testing
  • Test request is reviewed to identify samples to be tested and required test methods and equipment.
  • Equipment and working space are cleaned and prepared for use.
  • Endophyte staining solution is prepared.
  • Working sample of seed is prepared from Pure Seed.
       
Element: Test seed for endophyte presence
  • Seed is softened in sodium hydroxide for recommended time period.
  • Seed is rinsed thoroughly in running tap water.
  • Seed is de-glumed, placed on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution and slightly crushed.
  • Cover glass is placed on seed and gentle pressure is applied.
  • Seed is examined with compound microscope and scored as positive if endophytic hyphae are present.
       
Element: Test seedlings for endophyte presence
  • Seeds from working sample are selected at random and germinated.
  • Seedlings from the sample germinated are examined after growing for a minimum of 48 days.
  • Outermost sheath is removed from the seedling such that tissue to be examined should have no obvious discoloration from saprophytes and should have as little chlorophyll as possible.
  • A longitudinal section of leaf sheath approximately 3–5 mm in width is isolated.
  • Section is placed on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down.
  • Section is stained immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period.
  • Excess dye is blotted off with tissue paper and a coverglass is place over section and flooded with water.
  • Section is examined with compound microscope and scored as positive if endophytic hyphae are present.
       
Element: Record and report test results
  • Results are entered under Other Determinations.
  • The scientific name of the pathogen which has been tested for and the test method used is recorded in the test results.
  • Sample size used for testing is recorded.
  • In the case of a negative result where the pathogen was not detected, the results is reported in terms of the tolerance standard.
  • In the case of a positive result the report should indicate percentage of infected seed.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare endophyte stains

test seed for endophyte presence

test seedlings for endophyte presence

record and report results of tests.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

prepare endophyte stains

inspect seed using a compound microscope

detect endophyte presence in seeds and seedlings

record and report test results.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

seed biology

identification of endophytes

recording and reporting protocols

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

The tolerance standard may include:

an infection level less than 1% with 95% probability and depends on the total number of seeds tested, n, and is approximately 3/n (P=0.95) (see Roberts et al., 1993).

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Test request is reviewed to identify samples to be tested and required test methods and equipment. 
Equipment and working space are cleaned and prepared for use. 
Endophyte staining solution is prepared. 
Working sample of seed is prepared from Pure Seed. 
Seed is softened in sodium hydroxide for recommended time period. 
Seed is rinsed thoroughly in running tap water. 
Seed is de-glumed, placed on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution and slightly crushed. 
Cover glass is placed on seed and gentle pressure is applied. 
Seed is examined with compound microscope and scored as positive if endophytic hyphae are present. 
Seeds from working sample are selected at random and germinated. 
Seedlings from the sample germinated are examined after growing for a minimum of 48 days. 
Outermost sheath is removed from the seedling such that tissue to be examined should have no obvious discoloration from saprophytes and should have as little chlorophyll as possible. 
A longitudinal section of leaf sheath approximately 3–5 mm in width is isolated. 
Section is placed on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down. 
Section is stained immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period. 
Excess dye is blotted off with tissue paper and a coverglass is place over section and flooded with water. 
Section is examined with compound microscope and scored as positive if endophytic hyphae are present. 
Results are entered under Other Determinations. 
The scientific name of the pathogen which has been tested for and the test method used is recorded in the test results. 
Sample size used for testing is recorded. 
In the case of a negative result where the pathogen was not detected, the results is reported in terms of the tolerance standard. 
In the case of a positive result the report should indicate percentage of infected seed. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT407A - Perform an endophytic seed test
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSDT407A - Perform an endophytic seed test

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: