Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCARB503A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Diagnose tree diseases

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCARB503A - Diagnose tree diseases
Description This unit covers the process of diagnosing tree diseases (including diseases of palms and other woody monocotyledons) and defines the standard required to: describe the growing requirements and characteristics of trees; determine the impact of the growing environment on the health of a tree; determine the mode of damage; diagnose and record tree diseases; formulate disease management program including the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); provide a reasoned prognosis; document a management program report; monitor and recommend changes to the management program.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to the process of diagnosing tree diseases and is likely to be undertaken without supervision. Responsibility for and organisation of the work of others involved in the diagnosis and management of tree diseases may be required.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Assess environmental impact
  • The tree is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin determined.
  • The seasonal growth stages of the tree are determined.
  • Any regular cultural practices are identified where appropriate.
  • Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific tree species are determined.
  • Environmental and cultural factors that predispose the tree to diseases are identified.
  • Relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media are determined and assessed.
       
Element: Identify diseased trees
  • Impact of disease type on tree parts and systems is determined.
  • Natural defence systems of the trees against major disease types are considered.
  • Disease groups are determined according to a disease classification guide.
  • Signs and symptoms of disease are used to identify which trees are diseased.
       
Element: Diagnose tree disease
  • Symptoms and signs of disease are recorded using accepted nomenclature.
  • Samples and evidence are collated into a reference collection.
  • Disease type is determined according a disease classification guide.
  • Identification of macro biotic disease is determined to genus level.
  • Specimens are prepared for microscopic examination of micro biotic diseases.
  • Specialist services are determined and consulted in complex or indeterminate cases.
  • Specimens are correctly collected, packaged and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required.
       
Element: Provide a prognosis
  • The current health and energy reserves of the tree are determined.
  • The severity and extent of the disease is assessed.
  • The virulence of the disease on the specific host is researched.
  • The phenology of the host and the disease are determined.
  • Lag time of management options is researched and considered.
  • Influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options are considered.
  • An informed prognosis is provided in writing and verbally.
       
Element: Develop, document and monitor the management program
  • Management options are researched and appropriate options are recommended.
  • A disease management program is developed within IPM guidelines.
  • Tree diseases and management programs are recorded and documented in a report.
  • Management plans are monitored and modified or refined as needed.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

describe the growing requirements and characteristics of trees

determine the impact of the growing environment on the health of a tree

determine the mode of damage

diagnose and record tree diseases

formulate disease management program including the use of IPM

provide a reasoned prognosis

document a management program report

monitor and recommend changes to the management program.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

differentiate between biotic and abiotic symptoms in trees

research information about tree health problems, their diagnosis and remedial treatments available

identify signs and symptoms of tree health problems

determine possible causes of the problem

assess the severity, extent and speed of onset of the problem

determine the possible and probable physiological, anatomical, biochemical and physiological impact on the tree

document management programs for the diseases diagnosed

compile a disease reference collection

comply with legislative requirements

provide a reasoned prognosis

monitor diseases on an ongoing basis

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

tree anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, histology, pathology and taxonomy

function of the anatomical parts of the tree, palm etc

the primary cellular and anatomical structures of the tree

the critical systems in the tree; physiologically, anatomically and biochemically

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

tree nutrition issues associated with the soil or media present

disease detection methods, taxonomic identification, life cycle stages and characteristic symptoms for the specific horticultural trees of the enterprise

patterns of host - disease interaction for each major disease type

chemical, cultural and biological control methods as parts of an IPM strategy

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

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Trees may include:

all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.

Disease may include;

both biotic and abiotic diseases and their mode of impact on trees, palms and woody monocotyledons along with a variety of management protocols.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
The tree is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin determined. 
The seasonal growth stages of the tree are determined. 
Any regular cultural practices are identified where appropriate. 
Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific tree species are determined. 
Environmental and cultural factors that predispose the tree to diseases are identified. 
Relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media are determined and assessed. 
Impact of disease type on tree parts and systems is determined. 
Natural defence systems of the trees against major disease types are considered. 
Disease groups are determined according to a disease classification guide. 
Signs and symptoms of disease are used to identify which trees are diseased. 
Symptoms and signs of disease are recorded using accepted nomenclature. 
Samples and evidence are collated into a reference collection. 
Disease type is determined according a disease classification guide. 
Identification of macro biotic disease is determined to genus level. 
Specimens are prepared for microscopic examination of micro biotic diseases. 
Specialist services are determined and consulted in complex or indeterminate cases. 
Specimens are correctly collected, packaged and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required. 
The current health and energy reserves of the tree are determined. 
The severity and extent of the disease is assessed. 
The virulence of the disease on the specific host is researched. 
The phenology of the host and the disease are determined. 
Lag time of management options is researched and considered. 
Influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options are considered. 
An informed prognosis is provided in writing and verbally. 
Management options are researched and appropriate options are recommended. 
A disease management program is developed within IPM guidelines. 
Tree diseases and management programs are recorded and documented in a report. 
Management plans are monitored and modified or refined as needed. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB503A - Diagnose tree diseases
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCARB503A - Diagnose tree diseases

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: