Assessor Resource

AHCPER320
Manage plant pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage plant pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system. It requires knowledge of healthy permaculture systems and the pests, diseases and disorders that might need management. It includes focussing on solutions in an integrated design, rather than reacting to infestations.

All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

This unit 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.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify existing and potential pests, diseases and disorders in the permaculture system

1.1 Using observation of plants in the permaculture system, identify existing or potential for pest attack, disease or disorders

1.2 Using climatic data and weather observations, identify existing or potential for pest attack, disease or disorders

1.3 Monitor balances within the system such as pest and predator balances

1.4 Maintain a record of observations

2. Research pest, disease and disorder prevention methods

2.1 Research pests, diseases and disorders using both primary and secondary sources

2.2 Consult widely and use both electronic and conventional reference material

2.3 Establish prevention methods for maintaining a healthy balance

2.4 Research possible negative effects of treatments on other elements of the permaculture system

3. Develop a pest and disease management program

3.1 Develop a plan based on the research conducted and the observations made

3.2 Include information about weather conditions, time of year, cycle of pests or disease vectors in the management program

4. Implement the pest and disease management program

4.1 Provide solutions that address the interactions of many elements in the system rather than spot treating outbreaks

4.2 Avoid practices that spread disease, such as propagating using diseased plants, or using un-sanitised tools when pruning orchard trees

4.3 Provide habitat and microclimate conditions for useful insects, plants, birds and animals

4.4 Carry out permaculture practices that minimise the risk of pest and disease problems

4.5 Update the management program regularly so that it is active and useful to the permaculture system

5. Monitor and record the management of plant pests, diseases and disorders over time

5.1 Keep records of pest and disease control operations, noting weather conditions and times of year

5.2 Use records to enable predictions of or responses to possible disease and pest recurrences in similar weather or times of the year

5.3 Maintain records over time to build a history of the permaculture system

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:

identify existing and potential pests, diseases and disorders in the system

research methods of managing pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system

develop a pest and disease management plan

implement a pest and disease management plan

monitor pest and disease managements

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and practices related to managing plant pests, diseases and disorders

principles of maintaining healthy permaculture crops, such as:

companion planting

increasing diversity

providing habitat and food for pests’ natural predators

healthy, balanced soil

minimal use of soluble fertilisers

allowable control methods in organic systems, such as

deterrent organic sprays

pheromone traps and lures

predatory and/or parasitic insects, mites and other organisms as part of biological control

nutrient additives

crop rotation

covers and netting

BT (Bacilllus thuringiensis) and other action-specific micro-organisms

symptoms of disease and disorders in plants

care needed to avoid transferring infections (such as through grafting and pruning practices)

stages of development of pest organisms and signs of pest presence on plants and animals

planting for insectivorous birds, lizards, frogs and microbats

fungal, bacterial and viral infestations and their symptoms

disease vectors and plants that harbor them

companion planting

succession planting

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify existing and potential pests, diseases and disorders in the permaculture system

1.1 Using observation of plants in the permaculture system, identify existing or potential for pest attack, disease or disorders

1.2 Using climatic data and weather observations, identify existing or potential for pest attack, disease or disorders

1.3 Monitor balances within the system such as pest and predator balances

1.4 Maintain a record of observations

2. Research pest, disease and disorder prevention methods

2.1 Research pests, diseases and disorders using both primary and secondary sources

2.2 Consult widely and use both electronic and conventional reference material

2.3 Establish prevention methods for maintaining a healthy balance

2.4 Research possible negative effects of treatments on other elements of the permaculture system

3. Develop a pest and disease management program

3.1 Develop a plan based on the research conducted and the observations made

3.2 Include information about weather conditions, time of year, cycle of pests or disease vectors in the management program

4. Implement the pest and disease management program

4.1 Provide solutions that address the interactions of many elements in the system rather than spot treating outbreaks

4.2 Avoid practices that spread disease, such as propagating using diseased plants, or using un-sanitised tools when pruning orchard trees

4.3 Provide habitat and microclimate conditions for useful insects, plants, birds and animals

4.4 Carry out permaculture practices that minimise the risk of pest and disease problems

4.5 Update the management program regularly so that it is active and useful to the permaculture system

5. Monitor and record the management of plant pests, diseases and disorders over time

5.1 Keep records of pest and disease control operations, noting weather conditions and times of year

5.2 Use records to enable predictions of or responses to possible disease and pest recurrences in similar weather or times of the year

5.3 Maintain records over time to build a history of the permaculture system

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:

identify existing and potential pests, diseases and disorders in the system

research methods of managing pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system

develop a pest and disease management plan

implement a pest and disease management plan

monitor pest and disease managements

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and practices related to managing plant pests, diseases and disorders

principles of maintaining healthy permaculture crops, such as:

companion planting

increasing diversity

providing habitat and food for pests’ natural predators

healthy, balanced soil

minimal use of soluble fertilisers

allowable control methods in organic systems, such as

deterrent organic sprays

pheromone traps and lures

predatory and/or parasitic insects, mites and other organisms as part of biological control

nutrient additives

crop rotation

covers and netting

BT (Bacilllus thuringiensis) and other action-specific micro-organisms

symptoms of disease and disorders in plants

care needed to avoid transferring infections (such as through grafting and pruning practices)

stages of development of pest organisms and signs of pest presence on plants and animals

planting for insectivorous birds, lizards, frogs and microbats

fungal, bacterial and viral infestations and their symptoms

disease vectors and plants that harbor them

companion planting

succession planting

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Using observation of plants in the permaculture system, identify existing or potential for pest attack, disease or disorders 
Using climatic data and weather observations, identify existing or potential for pest attack, disease or disorders 
Monitor balances within the system such as pest and predator balances 
Maintain a record of observations 
Research pests, diseases and disorders using both primary and secondary sources 
Consult widely and use both electronic and conventional reference material 
Establish prevention methods for maintaining a healthy balance 
Research possible negative effects of treatments on other elements of the permaculture system 
Develop a plan based on the research conducted and the observations made 
Include information about weather conditions, time of year, cycle of pests or disease vectors in the management program 
Provide solutions that address the interactions of many elements in the system rather than spot treating outbreaks 
Avoid practices that spread disease, such as propagating using diseased plants, or using un-sanitised tools when pruning orchard trees 
Provide habitat and microclimate conditions for useful insects, plants, birds and animals 
Carry out permaculture practices that minimise the risk of pest and disease problems 
Update the management program regularly so that it is active and useful to the permaculture system 
Keep records of pest and disease control operations, noting weather conditions and times of year 
Use records to enable predictions of or responses to possible disease and pest recurrences in similar weather or times of the year 
Maintain records over time to build a history of the permaculture system 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPER320 - Manage plant pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system
Assessment task 1: [title]

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPER320 - Manage plant pests, diseases and disorders in a permaculture system

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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