This unit applies to the process of regulating crops by thinning and pruning flower, fruit or vegetable crops to control yield and quality.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify crop regulation requirements

1.1. Plants that require crop regulation are identified according to enterprise work procedures.

1.2. The purpose and methods of crop regulation are determined according to enterprise work procedures.

1.3. Services are located using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor.

1.4. Access to the site is determined in consultation with the supervisor.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

2. Prepare for crop regulation

2.1. Crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to enterprise work procedures.

2.2. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise work procedures.

2.3. Chemicals to be used for crop regulation are selected and prepared according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise work procedures.

2.4. Suitable safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used and maintained.

3. Undertake crop regulation

3.1. Safety equipment is erected around the crop regulation site during and between work periods.

3.2. The plant material to be thinned or pruned is identified according to the crop regulation program.

3.3. The crop regulation program is undertaken according to enterprise work procedures and OHS requirements.

3.4. Crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery are operated safely and effectively.

3.5. Signs of diseases and pests are recorded and reported to the supervisor.

4. Complete crop regulation

4.1. Waste material removed from the site is disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to enterprise work procedures.

4.2. Correct manual handling techniques are used when lifting or moving heavy loads.

4.3. Crop regulation tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, maintained and stored according to enterprise work procedures.

4.4. A clean and safe work area is maintained throughout and on completion of work.

4.5. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to enterprise work procedures.

Required skills

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

communicate orally with work team members and supervisors

utilise proforma recording, reporting and work procedure documents

interpret site plans

interpret crop regulation specification

measure quantities, estimate quantities of plant material to be regulated

select and prepare regulatory chemicals

calculate material requirements, area, volume, ratios and application rates

calibrate machinery

co-ordinate own activities with the work group

monitor enterprise plants for quality

minimise noise, dust, high activity vehicle traffic and water run-off to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance

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

Required knowledge

principles of thinning and pruning and the methods used to achieve crop regulation goals

effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations in relation to the market goals of the enterprise

the purpose of tools, equipment and machinery used for crop regulation and the correct and safe use and care of these tools, equipment and machinery

the effect of outdoor climatic conditions (e.g., rain, hail, total fire ban days, or very high ultraviolet radiation), which may prevent or impede crop regulation activities, or influence the selection of crop regulation tools, equipment and safety equipment to minimise the hazards presented.

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:

interpret requirements for pruning or thinning and work to instructions

use and maintain a range of plant thinning or pruning tools

report signs of diseases and pests

apply chemicals under supervision

remove waste material and dispose of it 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.

Crop regulation methods may include:

removal of flowers or crops using hands, sticks, shakers and thinning sprays

pruning methods such as winter or summer pruning

minimal 'hand clean up' pruning and after machine pruning.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.