Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to performing germination tests on a seed sample under laboratory conditions. It applies to seed analysts working within enterprise requirements and procedures.
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. Interpret and schedule test requirements | 1.1 Identify seeds to be germinated, test methods and equipment 1.2 Recognise hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, seed pre-treatment, test methods, reagents and/or equipment 1.3 Plan work sequences |
2. Prepare materials for test | 2.1 Draw prescribed number of replicates 2.2 Select and prepare growing media 2.3 Pre-treat seed to break physiological dormancy where necessary 2.4 Check water quality and pH is within required tolerances 2.5 Check and prepare apparatus and equipment for germinating seeds |
3. Plant and maintain seeds | 3.1 Plant seed on or into selected media 3.2 Monitor temperature and light conditions of germination apparatus in accordance with test procedures |
4. Evaluate test results | 4.1 Categorise seedlings and count as normal or abnormal 4.2 Assess un-germinated seed as hard, fresh or dead 4.3 Assess other determinations for un-germinated seed if required 4.4 Record and report results |
5. Maintain a safe work environment | 5.1 Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) 5.2 Minimise wastes and environmental impacts 5.3 Collect and dispose of laboratory and hazardous waste 5.4 Clean and store equipment and reagents |
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 for seed germination testing
assess seed germination
perform germination tests on a seed sample under laboratory conditions
prepare growing media
record and report test results
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
assessment of germination and determining need for retesting
calculations, tolerances and rounding results
enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements
enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)
relevant health, safety and environment requirements
seed biology
the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing
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
Seed testing (SDT)