Assessor Resource

AHCSDT306A
Perform a seed germination test

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This Unit applies to seed analysts working independently within enterprise guidelines. In general, they prepare samples for testing; conduct specified tests in accordance with enterprise requirements; maintain records and interpret results; and troubleshoot equipment problems.

This Unit covers the process of performing testing the germination potential of a seed sample under laboratory conditions.

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

Prerequisites

Nil.

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:

prepare growing media

assess seed germination

recording and reporting of results.

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.

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 include:

Ability to:

prepare growing media

pre-treat seed to break dormancy

plant and maintain seeds in a controlled environment

assess seed germination

record and report results

maintain a safe work environment

maintain security, integrity, traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

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

assessment of germination and determining need for retesting

seed biology

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

calculations, tolerances and rounding results.

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.

Growing media may include:

paper substrates; sand; or organic growing media.

Pre-treatment of seeds may include:

Pre-chilling; preheating; pre-storage; light; gibberellic acid; potassium nitrate; acid scarification; or mechanical scarification.

Normal seedlings may include:

intact seedlings; seedlings with slight defects; or seedlings with secondary infection as applicable to the species being tested.

Abnormal seedlings may include:

damaged; deformed or unbalanced; or decayed seedlings as applicable to the species being tested.

Un-germinated seeds may include:

hard; fresh; dead; or other categories of seed.

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
Seeds to be germinated, test methods and equipment are identified. 
Hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, seed pre-treatment, test methods, reagents and/or equipment are recognised. 
Work sequences are planned. 
Prescribed number of replicates are drawn. 
Growing media is selected and prepared. 
Seed is pre-treated to break physiological dormancy where necessary. 
Water quality and pH is checked to ensure within required tolerances. 
Apparatus and/or equipment for germinating seeds is checked and prepared for the test. 
Seed is planted on or into selected media according to enterprise guidelines. 
Temperature and light conditions of germination apparatus are monitored in accordance with test procedures. 
Seedlings are categorised and counted as normal or abnormal. 
Un-germinated seed is assessed as hard, fresh or dead. 
Other determinations for un-germinated seed are assessed if required. 
Results are recorded and reported in accordance with enterprise guidelines. 
Safe work practices and personal protective equipment are used. 
Wastes and environmental impacts are minimised. 
Laboratory and hazardous waste are safely collected and disposed of. 
Equipment and reagents are cleaned and stored. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT306A - Perform a seed germination test
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSDT306A - Perform a seed germination test

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: