Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to regulate crops by thinning and pruning flower, fruit or vegetable crops to control yield and quality.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. 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. Prepare for crop regulation | 1.1 Select crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery 1.2 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery 1.3 Select and prepare chemicals to be used for crop regulation 1.4 Select, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Undertake crop regulation | 2.1 Identify the plant material to be thinned or pruned 2.2 Undertake the crop regulation program 2.3 Operate crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery safely and effectively 2.4 Record and report signs of diseases and pests |
3. Complete crop regulation | 3.1 Dispose of waste material removed from the site 3.2 Follow correct manual handling techniques when lifting or moving heavy loads 3.3 Clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery 3.4 Maintain a clean and safe work area 3.5 Record or report work outcomes |
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:
carry out pre-operational and safety checks on crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery
assess the effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations
interpret requirements for pruning or thinning and work to instructions
use and maintain a range of plant thinning or pruning tools
remove and dispose of waste material
report signs of diseases and pests
operate crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of crop regulation
effect of weather which may prevent or impede crop regulation activities
effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations in relation to the market goals of the enterprise
enterprise quality procedures and characteristics of a crop relative to varying market requirements
principles of thinning and pruning and the methods used to achieve crop regulation goals
safe work procedures for use of machinery and equipment
tools, equipment and machinery used for crop regulation
types of crop regulation materials
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
Production horticulture (PHT)