Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan a propagation program and monitor the implementation of the program.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Carry out preliminary planning activities for a plant propagation program | 1.1 Determine production requirements 1.2 Evaluate space requirements for the program 1.3 Determine propagation techniques, taking into account the species and sound horticultural practice 1.4 Determine environmental parameters that impact on propagation 1.5 Negotiate a budget for the propagation program 1.6 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement control measures |
2. Develop the propagation plan | 2.1 Identify labour, materials, tools and equipment needs 2.2 Determine propagation media requirements, taking into consideration the propagation method and needs of the plant 2.3 Determine strategies to modify environmental conditions, taking into account the type of plant and propagation method used 2.4 Determine selection criteria for the propagation material 2.5 Determine hygiene requirements for propagation activities |
3. Monitor success of propagation activities | 3.1 Identify and record variances from plan and scheduled activities 3.2 Assess propagated plants for health, quality and viability |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
negotiate, budget and document propagation plans
research information about production requirements, growth conditions and marketing implications
develop a propagation plan that takes into account labour, materials and propagation media requirements and environmental conditions
determine hygiene requirements for propagation activities
monitor propagation activities
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the principles and practices of propagation program planning
aftercare requirements for a range of propagated plant varieties and cultivars
application techniques for chemical and non-chemical intervention or treatments
problems performing propagation activities and preventative action
hygiene standards required for propagation activities
identification, propagation and establishment techniques for a range of plants
enterprise quality specifications for parent plants and propagation materials
Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) and related legislation
preferred types of propagation media for different species
processes for preparing plans for and scheduling propagation activities
testing methods applied to propagation media
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Nursery (NSY)