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

AHCPCM501 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Diagnose plant health problems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCPCM501 - Diagnose plant health problems
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose plant health problems.It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
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: Monitor factors that influence plant health
  • Identify the plant species to the lowest taxonomic level and state its region of origin
  • Determine the seasonal growth stages of the plant
  • Record the day-to-day cultural practices used on each horticultural species
  • Determine the characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species
  • Record climatic data and environmental growing conditions
  • Record the presence or numbers of beneficial organisms
       
Element: Diagnose plant health problems
  • Identify environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases
  • Identify the symptoms and signs of plant health problems using accepted nomenclature
  • Assess the severity and extent of the problem in a plant species
  • Compare observations with published data, historical records and own experience
  • Determine the possible causes of the plant health problem
  • Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases
  • Sample plant or soil specimens and dispatch for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required
  • Record plant disorders and problems and document in a report
       
Element: Remedy plant health problems
  • Formulate a weed, pest and disease control program, taking into account the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and production plan
  • Identify a range of modifications to growing conditions for a specific situation or plant species to rectify plant health problems
  • Identify resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities, analyse the costs and benefits and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel
  • Identify work health and safety hazards associated with work activities, assess risks and implement controls
       
Element: Evaluate treatment program
  • Monitor plants during treatment
  • Record appropriate data
  • Compare observations to expected results
  • Recommend modifications to the treatment program are to client or management
  • Present treatment program report to client or management
       


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Monitor factors that influence plant health

1.1 Identify the plant species to the lowest taxonomic level and state its region of origin

1.2 Determine the seasonal growth stages of the plant

1.3 Record the day-to-day cultural practices used on each horticultural species

1.4 Determine the characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species

1.5 Record climatic data and environmental growing conditions

1.6 Record the presence or numbers of beneficial organisms

2. Diagnose plant health problems

2.1 Identify environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases

2.2 Identify the symptoms and signs of plant health problems using accepted nomenclature

2.3 Assess the severity and extent of the problem in a plant species

2.4 Compare observations with published data, historical records and own experience

2.5 Determine the possible causes of the plant health problem

2.6 Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases

2.7 Sample plant or soil specimens and dispatch for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required

2.8 Record plant disorders and problems and document in a report

3. Remedy plant health problems

3.1 Formulate a weed, pest and disease control program, taking into account the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and production plan

3.2 Identify a range of modifications to growing conditions for a specific situation or plant species to rectify plant health problems

3.3 Identify resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities, analyse the costs and benefits and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel

3.4 Identify work health and safety hazards associated with work activities, assess risks and implement controls

4. Evaluate treatment program

4.1 Monitor plants during treatment

4.2 Record appropriate data

4.3 Compare observations to expected results

4.4 Recommend modifications to the treatment program are to client or management

4.5 Present treatment program report to client or management

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:

research information about plant health problems, their diagnosis and remedial treatments

differentiate between pest, disease and nutrient-associated symptoms

identify signs and symptoms of plant health problems

assess the severity, extent and speed of onset of health problems in a specific situation

determine possible causes of the problem

liaise with specialist services, clients and management

formulate a weed, pest and disease control program

implement treatment programs to remedy the diagnosed health problems

evaluate treatment program and recommend modifications

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of plant health

chemical use, toxicity and compatibility with target plants, growth media, and environmental characteristics of the horticultural region

chemical, cultural and biological control methods included in the integrated pest management (IPM) strategy of the enterprise

enterprise and industry record keeping and reporting policies and requirements

evaluation procedures, including cost/benefit analysis, for plant and growth media treatments in relation to plant health, enterprise budget and performance targets

plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, histology, pathology, taxonomy and nomenclature

plant nutrition issues associated with the growth media used and horticultural region for specific plant species

sustainable horticultural practices relevant to the enterprise or horticultural region

taxonomic descriptions, horticultural function, cultural and growth requirements, and target growth and performance characteristics of specific horticultural plants for the achievement of enterprise production and business plans

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

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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Monitor factors that influence plant health

1.1 Identify the plant species to the lowest taxonomic level and state its region of origin

1.2 Determine the seasonal growth stages of the plant

1.3 Record the day-to-day cultural practices used on each horticultural species

1.4 Determine the characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species

1.5 Record climatic data and environmental growing conditions

1.6 Record the presence or numbers of beneficial organisms

2. Diagnose plant health problems

2.1 Identify environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases

2.2 Identify the symptoms and signs of plant health problems using accepted nomenclature

2.3 Assess the severity and extent of the problem in a plant species

2.4 Compare observations with published data, historical records and own experience

2.5 Determine the possible causes of the plant health problem

2.6 Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases

2.7 Sample plant or soil specimens and dispatch for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required

2.8 Record plant disorders and problems and document in a report

3. Remedy plant health problems

3.1 Formulate a weed, pest and disease control program, taking into account the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and production plan

3.2 Identify a range of modifications to growing conditions for a specific situation or plant species to rectify plant health problems

3.3 Identify resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities, analyse the costs and benefits and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel

3.4 Identify work health and safety hazards associated with work activities, assess risks and implement controls

4. Evaluate treatment program

4.1 Monitor plants during treatment

4.2 Record appropriate data

4.3 Compare observations to expected results

4.4 Recommend modifications to the treatment program are to client or management

4.5 Present treatment program report to client or management

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
Identify the plant species to the lowest taxonomic level and state its region of origin 
Determine the seasonal growth stages of the plant 
Record the day-to-day cultural practices used on each horticultural species 
Determine the characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species 
Record climatic data and environmental growing conditions 
Record the presence or numbers of beneficial organisms 
Identify environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases 
Identify the symptoms and signs of plant health problems using accepted nomenclature 
Assess the severity and extent of the problem in a plant species 
Compare observations with published data, historical records and own experience 
Determine the possible causes of the plant health problem 
Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases 
Sample plant or soil specimens and dispatch for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required 
Record plant disorders and problems and document in a report 
Formulate a weed, pest and disease control program, taking into account the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and production plan 
Identify a range of modifications to growing conditions for a specific situation or plant species to rectify plant health problems 
Identify resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities, analyse the costs and benefits and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel 
Identify work health and safety hazards associated with work activities, assess risks and implement controls 
Monitor plants during treatment 
Record appropriate data 
Compare observations to expected results 
Recommend modifications to the treatment program are to client or management 
Present treatment program report to client or management 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPCM501 - Diagnose plant health problems
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

AHCPCM501 - Diagnose plant health problems

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: