AHCNSY203
Undertake propagation activities


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out a range of propagation tasks.

It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context. 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.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Prepare for plant propagation

1.1 Clarify work activity instructions with supervisor

1.2 Identify any work health and safety hazards and tell supervisor

1.3 Select and use tools and equipment for potting up

1.4 Clean and disinfect work area

1.5 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)

1.6 Collect propagation material using the appropriate method for the species

1.7 Maintain and store propagation material to ensure maximum viability

2. Propagate plants

2.1 Apply pre-treatment appropriate to the propagation method and species

2.2 Carry out propagation techniques appropriate to the requirements of the species

2.3 Handle propagation material in a way that minimises damage and maximises viability

2.4 Apply water and nutrients to suit the media conditions, plant requirements and propagation techniques used

2.5 Apply labels

2.6 Monitor plant health and take remedial action if required

3. Complete propagation activities

3.1 Collect waste and dispose of or recycle to minimise damage to the external environment

3.2 Maintain records of activities in the appropriate format

3.3 Clean and store tools and equipment

Evidence of Performance

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 for plant propagation according to instructions

collect propagation material as appropriate to species

apply pre-treatments

apply water and nutrients

carry out a variety of propagation techniques

collect propagation material

maintain environmental parameters and temperature controls

minimise damage to and maximise viability of propagated material

maintain records of activities


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the principles and practices of propagation

botany and plant physiology as it applies to propagation

common problems that occur while performing propagation activities

enterprise hygiene requirements

enterprise requirements for handling and disposal of nursery wastes

maintenance requirements of tools and equipment used for propagation

plant nutrition

propagation methods required for a range of plant species

quality specifications/characteristics of a range of parent plants and propagation materials

record keeping relevant to the work function


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Nursery (NSY)