Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out maintenance and pruning on crop canopies.
It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
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 canopy maintenance activities | 1.1 Confirm instructions for canopy maintenance 1.2 Prepare tools and equipment for use 1.3 Recognise workplace hazards and report safety concerns 1.4 Use and maintained personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Carry out basic canopy maintenance | 2.1 Identify and remove unwanted growth 2.2 Pull pruned material out of the canopy 2.3 Perform post-pruning treatments on the canopy 2.4 Shape, support or position canopy 2.5 Use control measures to regulate exposure of the crop to sun and to protect crop from damage 2.6 Operate and maintain equipment |
3. Complete canopy maintenance activities | 3.1 Clean, sharpen and store tools and equipment 3.2 Dispose of pruned material 3.3 Identify and report problems and anomalies |
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:
interpret instructions correctly
communicate with team members and supervisor
calculate hours and personal production rate
participate in teams and contribute to team objectives
use and maintain basic hand and power tools and equipment
dispose of pruning waste in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of canopy maintenance
basic canopy maintenance techniques and their importance in relation to the desired quality of fruit the enterprise is aiming to produce
the difference between fruiting and non-fruiting wood
the effect of different climatic conditions on canopy maintenance requirements
the importance of hygiene and quality control when performing basic canopy maintenance activities
work health and safety responsibilities of employees when maintaining a canopy
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
Production horticulture (PHT)