This unit applies to the process of undertaking budding and grafting of trees, shrubs, vines and other plant types in nurseries or in-field situations. Field budding and grafting is usually carried out within established company procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare parent material for budding and grafting

1.1. Parent plant is prepared and the method of taking budding or grafting material is employed suitable to the species according to organisational procedures.

1.2. Tools and equipment are free from contamination, and hygiene practices are followed according to organisational guidelines.

1.3. Tools appropriate to the task being undertaken are chosen and used according to organisational guidelines, and safe working practices are employed.

2. Prepare budding and grafting materials

2.1. Budding/grafting material is selected for propagation according to organisational guidelines and supervisors instructions.

2.2. Viability of materials is maintained by appropriate storage according to the requirements of the species.

2.3. Discarded material is disposed of according to organisational waste disposal guidelines and/or procedures.

2.4. Stock is prepared according to species and organisational guidelines.

2.5. Budding/grafting materials and stock are handled in a way that prevents damage.

3. Bud/graft scion

3.1. Budding/grafting method is selected according to species and organisational guidelines.

3.2. Bud/graft is sealed according to instructions.

3.3. Labels and identification are correct and applied according to organisational guidelines.

3.4. Records are completed accurately and at the required time according to organisational guidelines.

3.5. Out-of-specification process and equipment performance is identified, rectified and/or reported.

4. Complete budding/ grafting activities

4.1. Equipment is cleaned as required.

4.2. Unused grafting material is disposed of/stored according to company procedures.

4.3. Waste generated by both the grafting and cleaning procedures is collected, treated, disposed of or recycled according to company procedures.

4.4. Workplace information is recorded in the appropriate format.

Required skills

access workplace information to identify grafting requirements

select, fit and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

select appropriate material for budding/grafting

prepare material for grafting

select and prepare equipment as required

bud/graft plants according to instructions

operate equipment safely

treat plants after budding/grafting

store unused grafting material

take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non-compliance

sort, collect, treat, recycle or dispose of waste as required

clean equipment after use

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

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

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

Required knowledge

botany, plant anatomy and physiology

root stocks and scion stock

importance of selection and use of rootstock

stages of the budding/grafting procedure and their purpose

common problems and corrective action required

operation, components and purpose of budding/grafting and equipment

maintenance requirements of equipment

procedures and responsibilities for reporting problem

environmental issues and controls

cleaning requirements of work area and equipment

recording requirements and procedures.

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:

take budding and grafting material from plants

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

dispose of unused grafting material according to environmental and disease management procedures.

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.

Plants may include:

trees

shrubs

vines and other plant types in nurseries or in field situations.

Materials may include:

cuttings

buds

dormant or green material

nursery rootstock

rootlings

mature plants.

Budding/grafting methods may include:

T buds

chip

wedge

side bark.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.