Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out a crop regulation program in which thinning and pruning of flower, fruit or vegetable crops is undertaken to control yield and quality.
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 the crop regulation program | 1.1 Identify the site and operational requirements of the program 1.2 Select crop regulation tools and equipment 1.3 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery 1.4 Calibrate and adjust tools, equipment and machinery |
2. Implement the crop regulation program | 2.1 Identify and organise work teams and contractors 2.2 Co-ordinate work in a sequential, timely and effective manner 2.3 Plan work in an efficient, sequential and co-ordinated manner 2.4 Monitor crop regulation tasks and undertake remedial action where necessary to achieve program objectives |
3. Complete crop regulation activities | 3.1 Remove and dispose of waste material 3.2 Clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery 3.3 Record or report work outcomes |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate evidence of their ability to satisfy holistically all of the requirements of unit. Performance should be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
assess the effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations
co-ordinate work groups
prepare for crop regulation activities
carry-out crop thinning procedures as required
use a range of methods to achieve crop regulation goals
record or report activities
store and maintain equipment and materials
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of crop regulation
effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations in relation to the market goals of the enterprise
enterprise quality procedures and characteristics of a crop relative to varying market requirements
environmental impacts of crop regulation and disposal of waste
principles of thinning and pruning and the methods used to achieve crop regulation goals
safe work procedures for use of machinery and equipment
types of crop regulation materials
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.
Sectors
Production horticulture (PHT)