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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare a working sample
   • Seed to be tested is identified and records completed.
   • Working sample is prepared from submitted sample.
   • Size of working sample conforms with that prescribed under ISTA rules.
   • The extent of determination of other species is selected based on client requirements, seed quantity or seed characteristics.
2. Examine seeds in working sample
   • Working sample is searched for seeds of all other species or of certain stated species as required.
   • Number of seeds found for each species is counted.
3. Calculate results
   • Result is expressed as the number of seeds belonging to each stated species or category found in the quantity examined.
   • Number of seeds per unit weight is calculated.
   • Where two or more tests are carried out, result is expressed as total number of seeds found in total weight examined.
   • Comparison of result is made with other determinations in the same or in a different laboratory.
4. Report results
   • Result is reported under ‘Other determinations’.
   • Actual weight of seed examined is recorded.
   • The scientific name and number of seeds of each species sought and found in the actual weight of seed examined.
   • Extent of determination of other species of seed is recorded.

Required Skills

Required skills include Ability to

prepare a working sample to ISTA rules identify a range of species examine and count seeds calculate weights and percentages report results

Required knowledge includes Knowledge of

the role of the International Seed Testing Association ISTA and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing seed biology seed identification enterprise andor legal traceability requirements enterprise standard operating procedures SOPs relevant health safety and environment requirements

Evidence Required

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	Evidence of the ability to prepare a working sample examine seeds in working sample calculate results report 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

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Range Statement

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.

Extent of determination of other species may include:

"complete test" if full prescribed weight of seed is tested for all other species; "limited test" if test was for a limited range of other species; "reduced test" if weight tested was less than prescribed weight; "reduced-limited test" where weight was under prescribed weight and a limited number of species was examined; "test based on 25,000 seeds" where a sample of 25,000 seeds was examined and this sample was below the prescribed weight.

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