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)