What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in propagating plants requires evidence that appropriate propagation material can be selected growing media and growing site can be prepared and an appropriate propagation method can be implemented

The skills and knowledge required to propagate plants must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different plant species propagation methods and enterprise requirements

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

quality specifications for parent plants and propagation materials

enterprise and industry hygiene standards required for propagation activities

common problems that may occur while performing propagation activities in a controlled environment and preventativecorrective action that may apply

propagation techniques required for a range of plants

aftercare requirements for a range of propagated plants

testing methods applied to propagation media

preferred types of propagation media for different species

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These skills are

liaising with other work areas and customers

identifying and assessing hazards in the work area

recognising and rectifying problems and anomalies with parent plants propagation material propagation media equipment and materials

propagation techniques for a range of plants

preparing mixing and using chemicals as required

interpreting specifications and industry codes of practice

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Ideas and information relating to work issues tasks and problems may be discussed with suppliers end users and members of the work team

This could include giving instructions for propagation support or discussing appropriate treatments for example with suppliers or customers

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information relating to propagation schedules and plant requirements may be accessed from management and interpreted so that daily work actions and outcomes can be organised within required time constraints

Problems and anomalies with daily work routines should be recognised and corrected or reported

How are activities planned and organised

Production plans and daily work instructions may need to be reviewed before and between work periods in order to confirm availability of appropriate equipment planting materials and propagation media Work teams may need to be organised and tasks allocated in order to achieve production target

How can team work be applied

Meeting production requirements may require the coordination of team activities

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical concepts may need to be used to calibrate spray equipment and calculate production statistics and quantities of treatment to apply

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems may arise regarding poor germination or strike rate for example which should be recognised and resolved either by implementing preventativecorrective action or reporting to management

How can the use of technology be applied

The testing of propagation media and monitoring of the propagation environment may require the use of measuring equipment such as pH probes Data bases may be used to communicate and keep records

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What propagation activities may be relevant to this standard?

What enterprise work procedures may apply to this standard?

What tools andequipment may be required for conducting propagation activities?

How might the growing environment be prepared?

What hygiene practices may be applied to this standard?

What OHS hazards might apply to this standard?

What sort of propagation material might apply to this standard?

What conditioning and storage requirements may apply to propagation materials?

What propagating media may be used?

What media specifications may be required for propagation media?

What OHS requirements may apply to the handling of propagation media and components?

What storage procedures might apply to propagation media and components?

What preparatory treatments could be used before commencing propagation activities?

What propagation techniques may be relevant to this standard?

What after care might be required?

What waste may be relevant to this standard?

What records may need to be maintained in regard to propagation activities?