AHCPMG408A - Assess and monitor weed, pest and/or disease control programs
Assessor Resource
AHCPMG408A Assess and monitor weed, pest and/or disease control programs
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
This unit is likely to be undertaken without supervision, with only general guidance sought from others.
This unit covers assessing and monitor week, pest and/or disease control programs and covers the process of planning for the control of weed, pests and/or disease and defines the standard required to: assess the level of weed, pest and/or disease infestation; implement weed, pest and/or disease strategies based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles; monitor the effectiveness of weed, pest and/or disease strategies; maintain records of the weed, pest and/or disease program.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
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.
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:
assess the level of weed, pest and/or disease infestation
implement weed, pest and/or disease strategies based on IPM principles
monitor the effectiveness of weed, pest and/or disease strategies
maintain records of the weed, pest and/or disease program.
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.
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.
Required skills
identify hazards and implement safe work practices
interpret monitored information on pest and weed numbers, density and control
plan and schedule weed, pest and/or disease control including amending plans during the operations
recognise poor growth and lack of vigour caused by nutrient deficiency
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data
use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Required knowledge
pest and weed species, including their life cycles and reproduction/multiplication capability
integrated pest and weed management techniques
the effects on plants of weeds, pests and/or diseases, including competitive effects on plant growth; threshold levels; and the effects of alternative methods of control
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
plant physiology
OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, and environmental legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the weed, pest and/or disease control operations
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from weed, pest and/or disease control operations.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Targeted pests may include:
insects
weeds
pathogens
vertebrates
nematodes and molluscs
weeds may be those which are:
annual
perennial
broad leaf
narrow leaf
grasses
invertebrate pests may include:
thrips
mites
nematodes
locusts or caterpillars
vertebrate pests might include:
rabbits
rats
mice
macropods
birds
diseases may include:
foliar pathogens
soil borne pathogens.
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
Documents within the organisation that detail the requirements of the IPM program are identified and obtained.
The frequency of assessment, the size of any sample area, the available budgets for operations, and the target species for assessment are identified from the organisations weed, pest and/or disease control plans.
The method(s) of assessment/measurement and of control for each target species is identified from the organisations weed, pest and/or disease control plans.
The resources required for the assessment and control operations are assessed and calculated from the area to be assessed, the available timelines, the available resources, and the methods of control required.
Measurable indicators, specifications and targets are determined, based on the target species and the potential impacts on growth.
A plan to implement the IPM program is developed, and clearly describes its scheduling, resources, responsibilities, target species, specific location(s) and performance targets for both the assessment and the control phases.
Discussions are held with operational personnel and immediate management to discuss the implementation plan.
Any approvals that are required for the control operations are identified, sought and obtained.
The implementation plan is clearly articulated and documented, as required, by the organisations policies and procedures.
People, materials and equipment required for the assessment are coordinated and scheduled according to the prepared plan.
The procedures and tools to be used, the kind of records that are to be taken, and any potential hazards that might be faced are clearly communicated to operational personnel.
Observations are made and data collected according to the requirements of the implementation plan.
The size and scope of any infestations, and the potential impact on plant growth are assessed and calculated.
Treatments for the infestation are selected from the options detailed in the IPM plan.
People, materials and equipment required for the implementation of the selected control strategies are coordinated and scheduled according to the prepared plan.
All control operations are undertaken in a manner which ensures that potential negative environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated, including the proper disposal of containers and drums.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, assessed, and responsible action taken throughout the control operations.
The procedures and tools to be used, the kind of records that are to be taken, and any potential hazards that might be faced are clearly communicated to operational personnel, and confirmation of the clear communication is sought.
Any documentation that is required to be kept by either the organisation or OHS guidelines is completed clearly and accurately.
Operational staff and any contractors are communicated with regularly to ensure smooth operation and progress.
Advice is given to operational staff and any contractors during the control operations when requested, or when the need is identified.
Monitoring points outlined in the implementation plan are adhered to.
Checks are made to ensure that the OHS requirements are being observed and followed.
Checks are made to ensure that the site environmental requirements are being observed and followed.
Operational staff and any contractors are communicated with regularly to ensure smooth operation and progress.
Checks are made to ensure that the documentation required by the organisation, or other regulating bodies, is completed clearly and accurately during the progress of the control operations.
Where any corrective action or amendment to the implementation plan is required the action is initiated and taken.
All waste materials and substances are removed from site and stored or disposed of responsibly.
Documentation is collated and stored according to the requirements of the organization.
Recommendations for future control operations are prepared based on the conduct of the operation, the data collected, and the discussions had during the operation.
Where it is required, a report on the conduct of the assessment and control operations is made including the key aspects of the operation.
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
AHCPMG408A - Assess and monitor weed, pest and/or disease control programs
Assessment task 1: [title]
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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Assessment Record Sheet
AHCPMG408A - Assess and monitor weed, pest and/or disease control programs
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent