1. Prepare for seed identification

1.1 Seeds requiring identification are confirmed.

1.2 Resources and equipment for use in identification are prepared.

1.3 Processes for seed identification are identified, selected and prepared for use.

2. Identify seed

2.1 Specified seeds are identified according to their general characteristics.

2.2 Botanical name of seed is recorded, where possible to species level.

2.3 Advice is sought when necessary and where appropriate to confirm identification.

3. Update the reference collection

3.1 Supervisor is consulted about possible addition to the reference collection.

3.2 If appropriate, information about seed is documented and the seed is added to the reference collection.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

use magnifying tools

identify the range of seeds specific to the enterprise

describe the seed attributes

identify available resources of literature searches, internet browsing, personal consultation with experts, specimen collections, field guides, workplace notes.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

concepts of seed identification

seed identification techniques

binomial nomenclature

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

recognise or identify seed to genus and, where possible, species level

contribute to seed reference collection.

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.

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.

Seed characteristics may include:

External visible characteristics such as size, shape, colour, seed structures, surface characteristics and accessory structures, and seed morphology.

Equipment may include:

Magnifying glass; microscope; seed reference collection; photographs and drawings.