1. Prepare a working sample

1.1 Seed to be tested is identified and records completed.

1.2 Working sample is prepared from submitted sample.

1.3 Size of working sample conforms with that prescribed under ISTA rules.

1.4 The extent of determination of other species is selected based on client requirements, seed quantity or seed characteristics.

2. Examine seeds in working sample

2.1 Working sample is searched for seeds of all other species or of certain stated species as required.

2.2 Number of seeds found for each species is counted.

3. Calculate results

3.1 Result is expressed as the number of seeds belonging to each stated species or category found in the quantity examined.

3.2 Number of seeds per unit weight is calculated.

3.3 Where two or more tests are carried out, result is expressed as total number of seeds found in total weight examined.

3.4 Comparison of result is made with other determinations in the same or in a different laboratory.

4. Report results

4.1 Result is reported under ‘Other determinations’.

4.2 Actual weight of seed examined is recorded.

4.3 The scientific name and number of seeds of each species sought and found in the actual weight of seed examined.

4.4 Extent of determination of other species of seed is recorded.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

prepare a working sample to ISTA rules

identify a range of species

examine and count seeds

calculate weights and percentages

report results.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

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

seed biology

seed identification

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:

prepare a working sample

examine seeds in working sample

calculate results

report 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.

Extent of determination of other species may include:

"complete test" if full prescribed weight of seed is tested for all other species; "limited test" if test was for a limited range of other species; "reduced test" if weight tested was less than prescribed weight; "reduced-limited test" where weight was under prescribed weight and a limited number of species was examined; "test based on 25,000 seeds" where a sample of 25,000 seeds was examined and this sample was below the prescribed weight.