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

AHCPCM501A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Diagnose plant health problems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCPCM501A - Diagnose plant health problems
Description This unit covers the process of diagnosing plant health problems and defines the standard required to: identify plant species and describe their growing requirements and characteristics; assess the suitability of the growing environment and the level of beneficial organisms; diagnose and record plant disorders and diseases; formulate a weed, pest or disease control program using the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); implement modifications to plant growing conditions; document a treatment program report.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to the process of diagnosing plant health problems and is likely to be undertaken without supervision.
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: Monitor factors that influence plant health
  • The plant species is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin stated.
  • The seasonal growth stages of the plant are determined.
  • Day to day cultural practices used on each horticultural species are recorded.
  • Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species are determined.
  • Climatic data and environmental growing conditions are recorded.
  • The presence (or numbers) of beneficial organisms is recorded according to enterprise guidelines.
       
Element: Diagnose plant health problems
  • Environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases are identified.
  • The symptoms and signs of plant health problems are identified using accepted nomenclature.
  • The severity and extent of the problem in a plant species are assessed.
  • Observations are compared with published data, historical records, own experience, and enterprise guidelines.
  • The possible causes of the plant health problem are determined.
  • Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases.
  • Plant or soil specimens are sampled and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required.
  • Plant disorders and problems are recorded and documented in a report.
       
Element: Remedy plant health problems
  • A weed, pest and disease control program is formulated according to the enterprise IPM strategy and production plan.
  • Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities are identified, costs/benefits analysed, and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.
  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with work activities are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.
  • A range of modifications to growing conditions that could be considered in a specific situation are identified.
  • Modifications to growing conditions for a specific plant species are selected and implemented, having regard to cost of damage, marketing requirements and sustainable horticultural practices.
       
Element: Evaluate treatment program
  • Plants are monitored during treatment.
  • Appropriate data is recorded according to enterprise guidelines.
  • Observations are compared to expected results.
  • Modifications to the treatment program are recommended to client/management.
  • Treatment program report is documented and presented to client/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.

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:

identify plant species and describe their growing requirements and characteristics

assess the suitability of the growing environment and the level of beneficial organisms

diagnose and record plant disorders and diseases

formulate a weed, pest or disease control program using the principles of Integrated Pest Management

implement modifications to plant growing conditions

document a treatment program report.

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 pest and disease and nutrient associated symptoms in specific plant species

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

identify signs and symptoms of plant health problems

determine possible causes of the problem

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

implement treatment programs to remedy the diagnosed health problems

comply with legislative requirements

identify hazards, assess risk and implement controls

comply with OHS requirements of the workplace

communicate orally with staff, supervisors, contractors, suppliers and consultants

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

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

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

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

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

chemical, cultural and biological control methods included in the IPM strategy of the enterprise

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

sustainable horticultural practices relevant to the enterprise and/or horticultural region

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

enterprise and industry record keeping and reporting policies and requirements

OHS hazards associated with activities to promote plant health and the controls necessary to remove or minimise risks associated with them.

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

Plants may include:

all plant species and cultivars.

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 plant species is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin stated. 
The seasonal growth stages of the plant are determined. 
Day to day cultural practices used on each horticultural species are recorded. 
Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species are determined. 
Climatic data and environmental growing conditions are recorded. 
The presence (or numbers) of beneficial organisms is recorded according to enterprise guidelines. 
Environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases are identified. 
The symptoms and signs of plant health problems are identified using accepted nomenclature. 
The severity and extent of the problem in a plant species are assessed. 
Observations are compared with published data, historical records, own experience, and enterprise guidelines. 
The possible causes of the plant health problem are determined. 
Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases. 
Plant or soil specimens are sampled and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required. 
Plant disorders and problems are recorded and documented in a report. 
A weed, pest and disease control program is formulated according to the enterprise IPM strategy and production plan. 
Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities are identified, costs/benefits analysed, and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with work activities are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented. 
A range of modifications to growing conditions that could be considered in a specific situation are identified. 
Modifications to growing conditions for a specific plant species are selected and implemented, having regard to cost of damage, marketing requirements and sustainable horticultural practices. 
Plants are monitored during treatment. 
Appropriate data is recorded according to enterprise guidelines. 
Observations are compared to expected results. 
Modifications to the treatment program are recommended to client/management. 
Treatment program report is documented and presented to client/management. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPCM501A - 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

AHCPCM501A - 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: