This unit applies to the process of carrying out a range of propagation tasks, such as preparing plant stock, collecting propagation materials, pre-planting treatments and basic plant propagation techniques. This standard involves working within routine methods and procedures under supervision with intermittent checking. Responsibility for some roles and coordination within a team may be required.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for plant propagation

1.1. Workplace information is interpreted and clarified according to instructions.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the work area are identified, rectified and/or reported.

1.3. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used, maintained and stored.

1.4. Tools and equipment appropriate to the task being undertaken are selected and prepared according to written guidelines.

1.5. Propagation material is collected using the appropriate method for the species.

1.6. Propagation material is maintained and stored to ensure maximum viability.

2. Propagate plants

2.1. Pre-treatment is applied and/or carried out appropriate to the propagation method and species.

2.2. Propagation techniques are carried out according to the requirements of the species.

2.3. Propagation material is handled in a way that minimises damage and maximises viability.

2.4. Water and nutrients are applied to suit the media conditions, plant requirements and propagation techniques employed.

2.5. Labels are applied according to enterprise guidelines.

2.6. Plant health is monitored and remedial action is taken according to written guidelines.

2.7. Propagation activities are carried out according to OHS requirements.

3. Complete propagation activities

3.1. Records are completed accurately and at the required time according to written guidelines.

3.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to manufacturer specifications.

3.3. Waste is removed and hygiene practices are followed according to enterprise and OHS requirements.

Required skills

collect propagation material

maintain environmental parameters and temperature controls

apply pre-treatments

carry out a variety of propagation techniques

minimise damage and maximise viability

apply water and nutrients

read and interpret instructions

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

communicate effectively with fellow team members

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

propagation methods required for a range of plant species

enterprise hygiene requirements

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

basic plant nutrition

botany and physiology

maintenance requirements of tools and equipment used for propagation

OHS requirements of employees

record keeping relevant to the work function

enterprise requirements for handling and disposal of nursery wastes

common problems that may occur while performing propagation activities in a controlled environment

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

OHS procedures.

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:

collect suitable plant material

successfully apply a range of propagation techniques

maintain and monitor propagated plants

maintain plant hygiene.

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.

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

Propagation techniques may include:

seed - (small seed sown in modules and pricked out or sown in seedbeds by hand)

cuttings - (hardwood stem, semi-ripe stem, leaf, root)

simple layering

growing on tissue-cultured plants

division or splitting

spores.

Propagation techniques does not include:

budding and grafting.

Unit sector

Nursery

This unit contains employability skills.