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.
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess environmental impact | 1.1 Identify the tree and determine its region of origin 1.2 Determine seasonal growth stages of the tree 1.3 Ascertain current and past cultural practices 1.4 Determine characteristics of growing environment affecting growth of specific tree species 1.5 Identify environmental and cultural factors predisposing tree to disease 1.6 Determine and assess relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media |
2. Identify diseased trees | 2.1 Determine impact of disease type on tree parts and systems 2.2 Use industry standard terminology to describe disease attributes in relation to tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy 2.3 Develop a glossary of disease terminology 2.4 Consider natural defence systems of trees against major disease types 2.5 Determine disease groups according to a disease classification guide 2.6 Interpret signs and symptoms of disease to identify which trees are diseased |
3. Diagnose tree disease | 3.1 Record symptoms and signs of disease using accepted nomenclature 3.2 Collate samples and evidence into a reference collection 3.3 Determine disease type according to a disease classification guide 3.4 Determine identification of macro biotic disease to family level 3.5 Prepare specimens of microbiotic diseases for microscopic examination 3.6 Collect, package and dispatch specimens for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required |
4. Provide a prognosis | 4.1 Determine the current health and energy reserves of the tree 4.2 Assess the severity and extent of the disease 4.3 Research the virulence of the disease on the specific host 4.4 Determine the phenology of the host and the disease 4.5 Research and consider the lag time of management options 4.6 Consider influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options 4.7 Provide an informed prognosis in writing and verbally |
5. Develop, document and monitor the management program | 5.1 Research management options such as Integrated Pest management (IPM) and recommend appropriate options 5.2 Develop a disease management program within IPM guidelines 5.3 Record and document tree diseases and management programs in a report 5.4 Monitor management plans and modify or refine as needed |
The candidate must be observed diagnosing and recording diseases of trees, and developing, monitoring and documenting a report on a tree disease management plan.
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 for and demonstrate:
identifying the tree and determining its region of origin
determining seasonal growth stages of the tree
ascertaining current and past cultural practices
determining characteristics of the growing environment affecting the growth of a specific tree species
identifying environmental and cultural factors that predispose the tree to disease
determining and assessing the relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media
determining impact of disease type on tree parts and systems
use of industry standard terminology to describe disease aspects of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy
developing a glossary of disease terminology
considering natural defence systems of trees against major disease types
determining disease groups according to a disease classification guide
interpreting signs and symptoms of disease to identify which trees are diseased
recording symptoms and signs of disease using accepted nomenclature
collating samples and evidence into a reference collection
determining disease type according to a disease classification guide
determining identification of macro biotic disease to family level
preparing specimens for microscopic examination of microbiotic diseases
collecting, package and dispatch specimens for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required
determining current health and energy reserves of the tree
assessing severity and extent of the disease
researching virulence of the disease on the specific host
determining phenology of the host and the disease
researching and considering lag time of management options
considering influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options
providing an informed prognosis in writing and verbally
researching management options such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and recommending appropriate options
developing a disease management program within IPM guidelines
recording and documenting tree diseases and management programs in a report
monitoring management plans and modifying or refining as needed
compiling a disease reference collection
use of industry standard terminology to describe disease aspects of tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy.
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
disease classification guides
virulence, phenology, prognosis and disease severity and extent
critical systems in the tree; physiologically, anatomically and biochemically
patterns of host – disease interaction for each major disease type
tree nutrition issues associated with the soil or media
identification of signs and symptoms of tree health problems
determination of possible and probable physiological, anatomical and biochemical impacts on the tree
disease detection methods, taxonomic identification, life cycle stages and characteristics of the specific horticultural trees of the organisation
natural defence systems of trees
chemical use, toxicity and compatibility with target trees, soil and environmental characteristics of the horticultural region
tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy
seasonal growth anatomy of the tree
primary cellular and anatomical structures of the tree
preparation of specimens of microbiotic diseases for microscopic examination
horticultural function, cultural and performance requirements and characteristics of the trees or other woody plants being considered
chemical, cultural and biological control methods as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy
methods of providing a reasoned prognosis
the growing requirements and characteristics of trees
the impact of the growing environment on tree health
how to research information about tree health problems, diagnoses and remedial treatment available
nomenclature of symptoms and disease signs
industry standard terminology to describe disease attributes in relation to tree anatomy, physiology, pathology and taxonomy
applicable legislative requirements.