Google Links

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

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for endophyte testing
   • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test methods and equipment
   • Clean and prepare equipment and working space
   • Prepare endophyte staining solution and alkaline or acid solution depending on method to be used
   • Prepare working sample from Pure Seed
2. Test seed for endophyte presence
   • Soften seed for recommended time in the prepared solution at the prescribed temperature
   • Rinse seed thoroughly in running tap water
   • Remove lemma, palea and endosperm from seed and place the remaining tissue on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution crushing if necessary
   • Place cover glass on seed, applying gentle pressure and blot up excess stain
   • Examine seed with compound microscope and score as positive if endophytic hyphae are present, or negative if absent
3. Test seedlings for endophyte presence
   • Take 200-250 seeds from working sample at random
   • Sow seeds in good quality commercial potting mix at low density to allow for good growth
   • Examine well-developed seedlings from the germinated sample after growing for a minimum of 42 days
   • Cut seedling away from remnant seed and remove outermost sheath from the base of the seedling
   • Discard sheaths which are discoloured or have developed chlorophyll
   • Isolate a 3-5 mm wide longitudinal section of the sheath and place section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down
   • Stain section immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period
   • Place cover glass over the stained sheath section, press gently and blot of any excess staining solution
   • Examine the section with compound microscope and score as positive or negative if endophytic hyphae are present or absent
4. Record and report test results
   • Enter results under ‘other determinations’
   • Record sample size used for testing and whether seeds or seedlings were tested
   • Report results in terms of the percentage of seeds or seedlings in which endophyte was detected

Range Statement

---

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:

prepare endophyte staining solution

test seed for endophyte presence

test seedlings for endophyte presence

record and report results of tests

---

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

identification of endophytes

recording and reporting protocols

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

seed biology

---