Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to harvest, treat and store seed.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace requirements.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
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. Prepare for harvesting of seed | 1.1 Discuss work requirements with supervisor and seek clarification where necessary 1.2 Clean seed harvesting and handling equipment and transport to seed collecting site 1.3 Determine seed that is to be collected 1.4 Prepare locations for treatment and storage of seed |
2. Harvest seed | 2.1 Collect seed using selected method complying with any conditions of permit or agreements with land holders, if applicable 2.2 Protect the health of parent plants during seed collection, if required 2.3 Place seed in clean containers and label |
3. Treat and store seed | 3.1 Separate seeds from other materials using available separation methods 3.2 Treat seeds, if required, according to harvesting plan 3.3 Record all appropriate data regarding collected seed on the seed container according to the harvesting plan 3.4 Pack and store seeds |
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:
prepare to harvest seed
harvest seed
treat and store seed
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
seed harvesting techniques
characteristics of mature healthy seed
diseases and pests likely to affect the seed
the following types of seed extraction:
hand selection
winnowing
sieving
vibration
flotation and fermentation
drying
heat-assisted dehiscing
crumbling of husks
the following permaculture practices relating to seed harvesting and storage:
appropriate containers including re-used jars, boxes and packets
cool, dry location
freezer or refrigerator
pest deterrent mechanisms
light exclusion mechanisms
non-chemical protection against pathogens
the following data included in seed saving:
genus, species, family, variety and cultivar information
provenance – where the seed came from
weight or number
date collected
place collected
collector
cultural advice or growing conditions
seed pre-treatment advice
longevity information
growing-out trial information
storage location information or record locator
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification (or higher) in Permaculture and/or have completed a Permaculture Design Course (PDC).
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)