Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a field inspection and prepare a report on a commercial seed production crop. It applies to workers on properties where commercial seed production is undertaken.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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 for field inspection | 1.1 Research paddock history and crop type before inspection 1.2 Determine inspection date according to suitable crop growth stage and related activities 1.3 Arrange a suitable time for crop inspection with grower 1.4 Check and prepare vehicle, machinery, equipment and recording materials before undertaking crop inspection |
2. Undertake a visual analysis of a commercial seed crop | 2.1 Identify weed species visually and record weed counts or density 2.2 Inspect visually and record insect/disease damage 2.3 Inspect visually and record the varietal identity of crop 2.4 Inspect visually and record varietal purity of crop, i.e. the presence of off-types 2.5 Estimate yield by counting crop plants using a quadrat or rule |
3. Complete an inspection report | 3.1 Document and analyse results of visual inspection 3.2 Determine the quality and suitability of the crop for commercial and/or regulatory production 3.3 Record the determination in a crop inspection report and forward to relevant parties |
4. Complete decontamination procedure prior to leaving site | 4.1 Check and clean vehicles, machinery and equipment of seeds, soil and other contaminants 4.2 Check and clean clothing and footwear of seeds, soil and other contaminants 4.3 Dispose of contaminants and other foreign materials |
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:
prepare for a field inspection
visually analyse a commercial seed crop
complete a crop inspection report
classify seed to species and/or variety level
update seed reference collection
use taxonomic terms to describe seed
carry out decontamination prior to leaving a site
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of seed crop inspection
concepts of disease pressure
concepts of pest pressure
crop sampling techniques and use of quadrats
crop/seed certification systems for example Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australian Seed Authority (ASA)
field inspectors reports
hygiene requirements for crop inspectors
plant breeders’ rights
relevant health, safety and environment requirements
requirements of Australian Quarantine Inspection service (AQIS) and AQIS Authorised Officers (AAO) phytosanitary reports
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
Seed production (SPD)