Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to bud and graft trees, shrubs, vines and other plant types in nurseries or in-field situations.
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 parent material for budding and grafting | 1.1 Follow workplace hygiene practices to ensure tools and equipment are clean 1.2 Prepare plant material and use a suitable method of taking budding or grafting material 1.3 Select and use appropriate tools |
2. Prepare budding and grafting materials | 2.1 Select budding/grafting material for propagation 2.2 Use appropriate storage methods to maintain viability of materials 2.3 Dispose of discarded material 2.4 Prepare stock according to species guidelines 2.5 Handle budding/grafting materials and stock in a way that prevents damage |
3. Bud/graft scion | 3.1 Select budding/grafting method according to species guidelines 3.2 Seal bud/graft is sealed according to instructions 3.3 Affix labels and identification 3.4 Complete records accurately and timely 3.5 Identify, rectify or report out-of-specification process and equipment performance |
4. Complete budding/ grafting activities | 4.1 Clean tools and equipment 4.2 Dispose of or store unused grafting material 4.3 Collect, treat, dispose of or recycle waste generated by both the grafting and cleaning procedures |
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:
select and prepare stock for budding and grafting
demonstrate a range of budding and grafting techniques
maintain labels and records of the budding and grafting operation
store unused grafting material
treat plants after budding/grafting
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for field budding and grafting
cleaning requirements of work area and equipment
common problems and corrective action required
environmental issues and controls
importance of selection and use of rootstock
maintenance requirements of equipment
operation, components and purpose of budding/grafting and equipment
plant features and processes relevant to budding and grafting
procedures and responsibilities for reporting problem
recording requirements and procedures
root stocks and scion stock
stages of the budding/grafting procedure and their purpose
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)