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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify existing and potential pests, diseases and disorders in the permaculture system
   • 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
2. Research pest, disease and disorder prevention methods
   • 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
3. Develop a pest and disease management program
   • 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
4. Implement the pest and disease 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
5. Monitor and record the management of plant pests, diseases and disorders over time
   • 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

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

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

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Knowledge Evidence

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

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