Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a propagation plan for a range of plants using a range of different propagation methods.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. 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 propagation activities | 1.1 Interpret workplace instructions and organise tasks to achieve daily work routine within time constraints 1.2 Select and prepare appropriate tools, equipment and machinery 1.3 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks, implement control measures and report to the supervisor 1.4 Select, use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.5 Prepare growing environment to suit species and propagation method 1.6 Implement hygiene practices |
2. Select propagation material | 2.1 Identify parent plant and select according to health, vigour and desired characteristics 2.2 Select and collect propagation material according to the propagation method and species 2.3 Select appropriate conditioning and storage requirements to ensure maximum viability of propagating material |
3. Prepare propagating media | 3.1 Select media components for propagation mix 3.2 Test propagation media to ensure the product complies with media specifications 3.3 Determine storage requirements for the unused propagation media |
4. Propagate plants | 4.1 Prepare propagation material safely ensuring risks associated with airborne hazards are reduced 4.2 Perform propagation techniques appropriate for the plant species 4.3 Handle plants to minimise damage 4.4 Provide aftercare to suit the media conditions, plant requirements and propagation techniques employed |
5. Complete propagation operations | 5.1 Clean work site using appropriate hygiene requirements 5.2 Collect waste and dispose of or recycle to minimise damage to the environment 5.3 Complete and maintain records |
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 the growing environment to suit species and propagation method
recognise and rectify problems and anomalies with parent plants, propagation material, propagation media, equipment and materials
select appropriate propagation material
handle potting mixes and propagation materials in a safe manner
apply propagation techniques as appropriate to plants being propagated
Provide aftercare to suit media conditions, plant requirements and propagation techniques
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the principles and practices for implementing a propagation plan
aftercare requirements for a range of propagated plants
problems that may occur performing propagation activities and preventative action
enterprise hygiene standards required for propagation activities
preferred types of propagation media for different species
propagation techniques required for a range of plants
quality specifications for parent plants and propagation materials
testing methods applied to propagation media
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)