This unit applies to the process of implementing a propagation plan and involves working within routine methods and procedures under limited supervision, with checking only related to overall progress. Some discretion and judgement is required in the selection of equipment, work organisation, services, actions and achieving outcomes within time constraints.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for propagation activities

1.1. Workplace information is interpreted and tasks organised to achieve daily work routine within time constraints.

1.2. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to propagation method and enterprise work procedures.

1.3. Growing environment is prepared to suit species and propagation method.

1.4. Hygiene practices are implemented according to enterprise guidelines.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, controls implemented and reported to the supervisor.

2. Select propagation material

2.1. Parent plant is identified and selected according to health, vigour and desired characteristics.

2.2. Propagation material is selected and collected according to the propagation method, and species.

2.3. Conditioning and storage requirements are selected to ensure maximum viability of propagating material.

3. Prepare propagating media

3.1. Media components are selected according to manufacturer directions, enterprise guidelines, propagation method and plant needs.

3.2. Propagation media is tested to ensure the product complies with media specifications.

3.3. Media and components are handled according to OHS requirements.

3.4. Storage requirements for the unused propagation media are selected.

4. Propagate plants

4.1. Propagation material is prepared according to the propagation method and species.

4.2. Propagation techniques are performed according to plant species and documented guidelines.

4.3. Plants are handled in a way that minimises damage.

4.4. Aftercare is applied to suit the media conditions, plant requirements and propagation techniques employed.

5. Complete propagation operations

5.1. Ensure work site is cleaned according to hygiene requirements.

5.2. Waste is collected and disposed of or recycled to minimise damage to the external environment in accordance with enterprise guidelines.

5.3. Records are completed accurately and at the required time according to documented guidelines.

Required skills

select appropriate propagation material

identify and assess hazards in the work area

recognise and rectify problems and anomalies with parent plants, propagation material, propagation media, equipment and materials

use propagation techniques for a range of plants

use a diversity of propagation techniques

prepare, mix and use chemicals as required

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

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

Required knowledge

quality specifications for parent plants and propagation materials

enterprise and industry hygiene standards required for propagation activities

common problems that may occur while performing propagation activities in a controlled environment, and preventative/corrective action that may apply

propagation techniques required for a range of plants

aftercare requirements for a range of propagated plants

testing methods applied to propagation media

preferred types of propagation media for different species.

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:

prepare tools and propagation materials for work

prepare workspaces for propagation activities

use a range of propagation methods to produce new crops

place or prepare for placing newly propagated material in appropriate growing environment

record propagation activities.

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.

Methods of propagation may include:

sexual and asexual methods of propagation including tissue culture.

Propagation material may include:

seeds

cuttings

spores

rootstock

scion

rootlings

buds

separations/divisions

tissue cultures

rhizomes

plantlets.

Propagating media may include:

sand

potting mix

agar

gravel

scoria

rock wool

gro-wool

sawdust

pine bark

perlite

vermiculite

water (hydroponics).

Unit sector

Nursery

This unit contains employability skills.