Assessor Resource

AHCSDT410A
Perform a seed vigour test

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This Unit applies to senior seed analysts working within enterprise guidelines. In general, they oversee the preparation of samples for testing; conduct and supervise specified tests in accordance with enterprise requirements; interpret and report results; maintain record-keeping systems; and have responsibility for overall laboratory operations, the supervision of staff, and implementation of quality assurance procedures.

This Unit covers testing for seed vigour to provide information about the seeds’ planting value in a wide range of environments and/or the storage potential of seed lots.

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 and conduct a seed vigour test

record results

interpret and present 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:

interpret test methods and procedures

carry out sample preparation procedures

perform calibration checks

plan work sequences

designate components of test to other staff

use calculation methods, including appropriate units, uncertainties, balancing equations, and the concentration of the solution given the chemical reaction for the titration

record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures

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

prepare and treat seed for testing

follow enterprise guidelines and standard operating procedures

calculate percentages, averages

evaluate and report results.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

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

seed biology

seed identification

range of seed vigour testing procedures

materials and apparatus used in seed vigour testing

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

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.

Seed may include:

bare seed; treated seed; and coated seed that has been prepared as required.

Seed vigour may include:

rate and uniformity of seed germination and seedling growth;

emergence ability of seeds under unfavourable environmental conditions;

performance after storage including the retention of the ability to germinate.

Test methods may include:

stress tests; seedling growth tests; and biochemical tests.

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
Test request is reviewed to identify samples to be tested, required test methods and equipment. 
Equipment and working space are cleaned and calibrated to enterprise standards. 
Samples are logged using standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
Sample description is recorded, compared with specification and discrepancies reported to supervisor. 
Samples and standards are prepared in accordance with testing method requirements. 
Traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results is maintained. 
If control samples are being used, ensure they are prepared according to enterprise guidelines (Reinstated MT). 
Equipment/instruments are set up in accordance with test method requirements. 
Pre-use and safety checks are performed in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures. 
Faulty or unsafe components and equipment are identified and reported to appropriate personnel. 
Equipment calibration is checked using specified standards and procedures, if applicable. 
Out of calibration equipment/instruments is quarantined. 
Reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements. 
The test method to be used is determined according to the type of seed or as requested by the person requesting the test. 
Equipment is cleaned and maintained in a clean state as required by enterprise guidelines 
A working sample is prepared and replicates using mixing and dividing processes according to enterprise guidelines. 
Seed is prepared, placed and/or treated to suit test method requirements and enterprise guidelines. 
Measurements are made with equipment and/or counting and results are recorded as determined by test method and enterprise guidelines. 
A statement of specific variable is prepared and provided to accompany the results. 
The number of seeds or seedlings with required characteristics in each replicate is counted. 
The percentage of seed or seedlings with required characteristics in each replicate is calculated and average percentage across all replicates is determined. 
Result of seed vigour test is reported to supervisor. 
Test data is recorded noting atypical observations. 
Results are recorded and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures. 
Trends in data and/or results are interpreted and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel. 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 
Established safe work practices and personal protective equipment are used to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel. 
The generation of wastes and environmental impacts are minimised. 
The safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal is carried out. 
Equipment and store equipment and reagents are cleaned and cared for as required. 
Approved data is entered into laboratory information management system. 
Confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data is maintained. 
Equipment and calibration logs are maintained in accordance with enterprise procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT410A - Perform a seed vigour 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

AHCSDT410A - Perform a seed vigour 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: