AHCPMG302
Control plant pests, diseases and disorders


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to control plant pests, diseases and disorders, taking into consideration Integrated Pest Management options. The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify a range of pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms, assess damage or threat to plants and select and apply pest and disease controls and timing of operations. It includes preparing and calibrating equipment, monitoring the effectiveness of controls and keeping records.

This unit applies to workers in plant-based enterprises or activities working under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress. Workers may require limited organisation and have limited responsibility for the work of others.

Individuals operating in this field are required to hold current chemical handling certification and a first aid certificate. Other licensing conditions may also apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.


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. Assess pests and disease infestation

1.1 Assess the scope and size of the infestation

1.2 Identify and report or record plant pests, diseases and disorders, beneficial organisms and hosts

1.3 Determine thresholds of pest infestations tolerated by the client, market or environment from the Integrated Pest Management strategy

2. Plan the implementation of management measures

2.1 Select management measures from Integrated Pest Management strategy suitable for the infestation

2.2 Select management measures to minimise impact on non-target plant or animal species and to meet production or environmental objectives

2.3 Select tools, equipment and machinery for each work activity according to enterprise work procedures

2.4 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement risk controls

2.5 Select, use and maintain personal protective equipment according to label or manufacturer instructions

2.6 Select management measures in full consideration of work health and safety and environmental implications and legislation

3. Implement management measures

3.1 Follow work health and safety procedures throughout management activities

3.2 Coordinate enterprise work team, contractors and Integrated Pest Management product suppliers in a sequential, timely and effective manner in consultation with the supervisor

3.3 Implement management measures according to the Integrated Pest Management standards or industry Code of Practice

3.4 Maintain a clean and safe work area throughout and on completion of each activity

3.5 Maintain records as required by legislation and enterprise guidelines

4. Monitor management methods

4.1 Monitor management measures to identify side effects to other plants, animals or external environment

4.2 Assess effectiveness of management methods in reference to specified industry, work health and safety and enterprise standards

4.3 Make adjustments to Integrated Pest Management methods where necessary to meet enterprise specifications

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 demonstrate that they can:

identify pests, diseases and disorders, beneficial organisms and host plants in target area

assess damage or threat to plants

select and apply pest and disease management options and determine timing of operations according to pest management plans, to maximise impact on target species and minimise risks to non-target plant and animal species in the area

prepare and calibrate equipment

monitor the effectiveness of pest and disease management methods

keep records of pest and disease management activities to regulatory and enterprise standards

follow of work health and safety procedures when carrying out pest and disease management activities

apply appropriate environmental sustainability practices when planning and carrying out work


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must explain:

pest, disease and disorder and symptom recognition of host stress

economic, aesthetic or environmental thresholds for a range of plant pests, diseases and disorders

chemical, biological and cultural methods and treatments available to the enterprise within the parameters of an Integrated Pest Management program

range and use of tools, equipment and machinery available to the enterprise for implementing the management measures

range of site monitoring and analysis techniques that may be used to implement an Integrated Pest Management program

implications of choice of plant pest and disease methods with site limitations, environmental implications, end market and production or environmental objectives for the site

basic principles of Integrated Pest Management standards or industry Code of Practice

work health and safety responsibilities for employees and employers

correct use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

work health and safety and environmental legislative requirements including hazardous substances regulations


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

Pest Management (PMG)