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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess environmental impact
   • Identify the tree and determine its region of origin
   • Determine seasonal growth stages of the tree
   • Ascertain current and past cultural practices
   • Determine characteristics of growing environment affecting growth of specific tree species
   • Identify environmental and cultural factors predisposing tree to disease
   • Determine and assess relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media
2. Identify diseased trees
   • Determine impact of disease type on tree parts and systems
   • Use industry standard terminology to describe disease attributes in relation to tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy
   • Develop a glossary of disease terminology
   • Consider natural defence systems of trees against major disease types
   • Determine disease groups according to a disease classification guide
   • Interpret signs and symptoms of disease to identify which trees are diseased
3. Diagnose tree disease
   • Record symptoms and signs of disease using accepted nomenclature
   • Collate samples and evidence into a reference collection
   • Determine disease type according to a disease classification guide
   • Determine identification of macro biotic disease to family level
   • Prepare specimens of microbiotic diseases for microscopic examination
   • Collect, package and dispatch specimens for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required
4. Provide a prognosis
   • Determine the current health and energy reserves of the tree
   • Assess the severity and extent of the disease
   • Research the virulence of the disease on the specific host
   • Determine the phenology of the host and the disease
   • Research and consider the lag time of management options
   • Consider influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options
   • Provide an informed prognosis in writing and verbally
5. Develop, document and monitor the management program
   • Research management options such as Integrated Pest management (IPM) and recommend appropriate options
   • Develop a disease management program within IPM guidelines
   • Record and document tree diseases and management programs in a report
   • Monitor management plans and modify or refine as needed

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be observed diagnosing and recording diseases of trees, and developing, monitoring and documenting a report on a tree disease management plan.

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 for and demonstrate:

identifying the tree and determining its region of origin

determining seasonal growth stages of the tree

ascertaining current and past cultural practices

determining characteristics of the growing environment affecting the growth of a specific tree species

identifying environmental and cultural factors that predispose the tree to disease

determining and assessing the relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media

determining impact of disease type on tree parts and systems

use of industry standard terminology to describe disease aspects of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy

developing a glossary of disease terminology

considering natural defence systems of trees against major disease types

determining disease groups according to a disease classification guide

interpreting signs and symptoms of disease to identify which trees are diseased

recording symptoms and signs of disease using accepted nomenclature

collating samples and evidence into a reference collection

determining disease type according to a disease classification guide

determining identification of macro biotic disease to family level

preparing specimens for microscopic examination of microbiotic diseases

collecting, package and dispatch specimens for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required

determining current health and energy reserves of the tree

assessing severity and extent of the disease

researching virulence of the disease on the specific host

determining phenology of the host and the disease

researching and considering lag time of management options

considering influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options

providing an informed prognosis in writing and verbally

researching management options such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and recommending appropriate options

developing a disease management program within IPM guidelines

recording and documenting tree diseases and management programs in a report

monitoring management plans and modifying or refining as needed

compiling a disease reference collection

use of industry standard terminology to describe disease aspects of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

disease classification guides

virulence, phenology, prognosis and disease severity and extent

critical systems in the tree; physiologically, anatomically and biochemically

patterns of host – disease interaction for each major disease type

tree nutrition issues associated with the soil or media

identification of signs and symptoms of tree health problems

determination of possible and probable physiological, anatomical and biochemical impacts on the tree

disease detection methods, taxonomic identification, life cycle stages and characteristics of the specific horticultural trees of the organisation

natural defence systems of trees

chemical use, toxicity and compatibility with target trees, soil and environmental characteristics of the horticultural region

tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy

seasonal growth anatomy of the tree

primary cellular and anatomical structures of the tree

preparation of specimens of microbiotic diseases for microscopic examination

horticultural function, cultural and performance requirements and characteristics of the trees or other woody plants being considered

chemical, cultural and biological control methods as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy

methods of providing a reasoned prognosis

the growing requirements and characteristics of trees

the impact of the growing environment on tree health

how to research information about tree health problems, diagnoses and remedial treatment available

nomenclature of symptoms and disease signs

industry standard terminology to describe disease attributes in relation to tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy

applicable legislative requirements.

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