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

AHCSDT407 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform an endophytic seed test

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCSDT407 - Perform an endophytic seed test
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine of the presence of fungal endophyte in certain grasses.It applies to senior seed analysts 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: Prepare for endophyte testing
  • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test methods and equipment
  • Clean and prepare equipment and working space
  • Prepare endophyte staining solution and alkaline or acid solution depending on method to be used
  • Prepare working sample from Pure Seed
       
Element: Test seed for endophyte presence
  • Soften seed for recommended time in the prepared solution at the prescribed temperature
  • Rinse seed thoroughly in running tap water
  • Remove lemma, palea and endosperm from seed and place the remaining tissue on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution crushing if necessary
  • Place cover glass on seed, applying gentle pressure and blot up excess stain
  • Examine seed with compound microscope and score as positive if endophytic hyphae are present, or negative if absent
       
Element: Test seedlings for endophyte presence
  • Take 200-250 seeds from working sample at random
  • Sow seeds in good quality commercial potting mix at low density to allow for good growth
  • Examine well-developed seedlings from the germinated sample after growing for a minimum of 42 days
  • Cut seedling away from remnant seed and remove outermost sheath from the base of the seedling
  • Discard sheaths which are discoloured or have developed chlorophyll
  • Isolate a 3-5 mm wide longitudinal section of the sheath and place section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down
  • Stain section immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period
  • Place cover glass over the stained sheath section, press gently and blot of any excess staining solution
  • Examine the section with compound microscope and score as positive or negative if endophytic hyphae are present or absent
       
Element: Record and report test results
  • Enter results under ‘other determinations’
  • Record sample size used for testing and whether seeds or seedlings were tested
  • Report results in terms of the percentage of seeds or seedlings in which endophyte was detected
       


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. Prepare for endophyte testing

1.1 Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test methods and equipment

1.2 Clean and prepare equipment and working space

1.3 Prepare endophyte staining solution and alkaline or acid solution depending on method to be used

1.4 Prepare working sample from Pure Seed

2. Test seed for endophyte presence

2.1 Soften seed for recommended time in the prepared solution at the prescribed temperature

2.2 Rinse seed thoroughly in running tap water

2.3 Remove lemma, palea and endosperm from seed and place the remaining tissue on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution crushing if necessary

2.4 Place cover glass on seed, applying gentle pressure and blot up excess stain

2.5 Examine seed with compound microscope and score as positive if endophytic hyphae are present, or negative if absent

3. Test seedlings for endophyte presence

3.1 Take 200-250 seeds from working sample at random

3.2 Sow seeds in good quality commercial potting mix at low density to allow for good growth

3.3 Examine well-developed seedlings from the germinated sample after growing for a minimum of 42 days

3.4 Cut seedling away from remnant seed and remove outermost sheath from the base of the seedling

3.5 Discard sheaths which are discoloured or have developed chlorophyll

3.6 Isolate a 3-5 mm wide longitudinal section of the sheath and place section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down

3.7 Stain section immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period

3.8 Place cover glass over the stained sheath section, press gently and blot of any excess staining solution

3.9 Examine the section with compound microscope and score as positive or negative if endophytic hyphae are present or absent

4. Record and report test results

4.1 Enter results under ‘other determinations’

4.2 Record sample size used for testing and whether seeds or seedlings were tested

4.3 Report results in terms of the percentage of seeds or seedlings in which endophyte was detected

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:

prepare endophyte staining solution

test seed for endophyte presence

test seedlings for endophyte presence

record and report results of tests

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

identification of endophytes

recording and reporting protocols

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

seed biology

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. Prepare for endophyte testing

1.1 Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test methods and equipment

1.2 Clean and prepare equipment and working space

1.3 Prepare endophyte staining solution and alkaline or acid solution depending on method to be used

1.4 Prepare working sample from Pure Seed

2. Test seed for endophyte presence

2.1 Soften seed for recommended time in the prepared solution at the prescribed temperature

2.2 Rinse seed thoroughly in running tap water

2.3 Remove lemma, palea and endosperm from seed and place the remaining tissue on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution crushing if necessary

2.4 Place cover glass on seed, applying gentle pressure and blot up excess stain

2.5 Examine seed with compound microscope and score as positive if endophytic hyphae are present, or negative if absent

3. Test seedlings for endophyte presence

3.1 Take 200-250 seeds from working sample at random

3.2 Sow seeds in good quality commercial potting mix at low density to allow for good growth

3.3 Examine well-developed seedlings from the germinated sample after growing for a minimum of 42 days

3.4 Cut seedling away from remnant seed and remove outermost sheath from the base of the seedling

3.5 Discard sheaths which are discoloured or have developed chlorophyll

3.6 Isolate a 3-5 mm wide longitudinal section of the sheath and place section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down

3.7 Stain section immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period

3.8 Place cover glass over the stained sheath section, press gently and blot of any excess staining solution

3.9 Examine the section with compound microscope and score as positive or negative if endophytic hyphae are present or absent

4. Record and report test results

4.1 Enter results under ‘other determinations’

4.2 Record sample size used for testing and whether seeds or seedlings were tested

4.3 Report results in terms of the percentage of seeds or seedlings in which endophyte was detected

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
Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test methods and equipment 
Clean and prepare equipment and working space 
Prepare endophyte staining solution and alkaline or acid solution depending on method to be used 
Prepare working sample from Pure Seed 
Soften seed for recommended time in the prepared solution at the prescribed temperature 
Rinse seed thoroughly in running tap water 
Remove lemma, palea and endosperm from seed and place the remaining tissue on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution crushing if necessary 
Place cover glass on seed, applying gentle pressure and blot up excess stain 
Examine seed with compound microscope and score as positive if endophytic hyphae are present, or negative if absent 
Take 200-250 seeds from working sample at random 
Sow seeds in good quality commercial potting mix at low density to allow for good growth 
Examine well-developed seedlings from the germinated sample after growing for a minimum of 42 days 
Cut seedling away from remnant seed and remove outermost sheath from the base of the seedling 
Discard sheaths which are discoloured or have developed chlorophyll 
Isolate a 3-5 mm wide longitudinal section of the sheath and place section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down 
Stain section immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period 
Place cover glass over the stained sheath section, press gently and blot of any excess staining solution 
Examine the section with compound microscope and score as positive or negative if endophytic hyphae are present or absent 
Enter results under ‘other determinations’ 
Record sample size used for testing and whether seeds or seedlings were tested 
Report results in terms of the percentage of seeds or seedlings in which endophyte was detected 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT407 - Perform an endophytic seed test
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

AHCSDT407 - Perform an endophytic seed test

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: