1. Prepare for testing

1.1 Submitted sample is checked to ensure it is in an intact, moisture-proof container with as much air as possible excluded.

1.2 Appropriate apparatus are selected for seed moisture testing.

1.3 Temperature of submitted sample in container is equilibrated to that of the testing laboratory.

1.4 Exposure of sample to the atmosphere of the laboratory is reduced to an absolute minimum according to the species and ISTA requirements.

2. Prepare samples for drying

2.1 Submitted sample is thoroughly mixed.

2.2 A minimum three subsamples are taken and combined to form a working sample of the required size.

2.3 Exposure to air during sample reduction is limited to thirty seconds.

2.4 Where cutting or grinding is required, one working sample is prepared so that two replicates can be drawn from the cut/ground material.

2.5 Pre-drying is carried out where moisture content exceeds ISTA requirements.

2.6 Containers and lids are weighed before and after filling.

2.7 Weighing procedures conform with ISTA requirements and weight is expressed in grams to at least three decimal places.

2.8 Lids are kept on containers until samples are placed in oven.

3. Dry and weigh sample

3.1 Working sample is evenly distributed over surface of the container.

3.2 Open containers and their lids are placed rapidly into an oven that is maintained at the required temperature for the species being tested.

3.3 Drying period commences once oven returns to the required temperature after placement of containers.

3.4 At the end of prescribed drying period, containers have their lids replaced before cooling to ambient temperature in desiccators.

3.5 After cooling, the containers with lids and dried contents are weighed.

4. Calculate results

4.1 Moisture content is expressed as a percentage of the weight of the original sample.

4.2 Result of test is reported according to enterprise guidelines.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

prepare working samples to ISTA rules

weigh containers and seed samples

calculate weights and percentages

cut and grind seeds

report results.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

apparatus used in seed moisture testing

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

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

Evidence of the ability to:

preparing working samples

weighing containers and seed samples

calculating weights and percentages

cutting and grinding seeds

calculating and reporting results.

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.

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Appropriate apparatus may include:

Grinding mill; electrically heated oven; containers with lids; a dessicator; a balance; sieves; and cutting tools.