This unit applies to plant propagators.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Carry out preliminary planning activities for a plant propagation program

1.1. Management and marketing requirements are confirmed and understood.

1.2. Space requirements for propagation program are evaluated.

1.3. Propagation techniques are determined according to species and sound horticultural practice.

1.4. Environmental parameters that impact on propagation are determined.

1.5. Budget for the propagation program is negotiated with management.

1.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with the propagation program are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.

2. Develop the propagation plan

2.1. Labour, materials, equipment and machinery needs are identified.

2.2. Propagation media requirements are determined according to the propagation method and needs of the plant.

2.3. Strategies to modify environmental conditions are determined according to the type of plant and propagation method used.

2.4. Selection criteria for the propagation material are determined according to the type of plant and propagation method.

2.5. Hygiene requirements for propagation activities are determined.

2.6. Propagation plan is documented and schedule of activities are communicated clearly to staff.

3. Monitor success of propagation activities

3.1. Variances from plan and scheduled activities are identified and recorded.

3.2. Propagated plants are assessed for health, quality and viability according to enterprise quality standards.

3.3. Remedial procedures are planned to meet marketing objectives and business imperatives.

Required skills

plan a propagation program applies to the

conduct literature and consultative research to obtain information about propagation requirements, growth conditions, and marketing implications

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

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

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

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

Required knowledge

OHS hazards associated with undertaking propagation activities, and the controls necessary to remove or minimise risks associated with them

practical understanding of the OHS and environmental issues associated with use and disposal of propagation media

enterprise and industry hygiene standards required for propagation activities, including relevant quarantine regulations

industry and enterprise quality specifications for parent plants and propagation materials

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

processes and techniques for preparing, costing and documenting plans for and scheduling propagation activities

identification, propagation and establishment techniques required for a range of plant varieties and cultivars

monitoring staff performance

Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) and related legislation

aftercare requirements for a range of propagated plant varieties and cultivars

testing methods applied to propagation media

preferred types of propagation media for different species

chemical, cultural and biological pest, weed and disease control techniques

application techniques for chemical and non-chemical intervention or treatments.

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:

determine propagation techniques and resources required

select propagation materials and media and determine optimal environmental conditions

determine plant hygiene requirements

review propagation plan by monitoring strike rate and health and quality of propagated plants

negotiate and document plans.

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

cuttings

layering

growing on tissue cultured plants

division or splitting

budding

grafting

spores

cloning.

Unit sector

Nursery

This unit contains employability skills.