Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to implement an integrated pest management program.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. 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. Assess weed, pest and disease infestations | 1.1 Identify symptoms of weed, pest and disease infestation in response to client needs 1.2 Define weed, pest and disease relationships and vectors as key factors in program development 1.3 Assess size and scope of infestation 1.4 Assess business implications and urgency of action according to published data and enterprise policy 1.5 Report conditions likely to impact on business viability |
2. Plan appropriate integrated treatments for weeds, pests and diseases | 2.1 Develop an integrated pest management (IPM) program, ensuring treatments selected include chemical or non-chemical products in line with enterprise practice 2.2 Outline integrated application of treatments in planning documentation 2.3 Choose treatments which provide a suitable response to infestations, having regard to cost of damage, cost of infestation, marketing requirements, withholding periods and sustainable horticultural practices 2.4 Seek professional assistance as required |
3. Implement weed, pest and disease control measures | 3.1 Ensure control procedures reflect sound implementation of integrated pest management strategy, marketing objectives and business imperatives 3.2 Develop and implement monitoring procedures 3.3 Instruct and supervise others to carry out work according to the IPM plan 3.4 Monitor prevention program and undertake remedial action where necessary 3.5 Monitor control procedures and undertake remedial action where necessary |
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:
identify symptoms of weed, pest and disease infestation
develop an integrated pest management (IPM) program
develop and implement monitoring procedures
instruct and supervise others to carry out work according to the IPM plan
oversee the implementation of an IPM pest management plan
monitor costs of pest management plan to meet budget requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for integrated pest management
application techniques for chemical and non-chemical treatments
concept and principles of Integrated Pest Management
cost/benefit analysis relevant to selection of weed, pest and disease control measures
crop and plant scouting and monitoring
ecological impacts of different control treatments
integration of weed, pest and disease control measures
lifecycles of hosts, predators and pests and diseases
sustainable horticultural practices
weeds and pests of specific horticultural enterprises
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
Plant culture and management (PCM)