1. Prepare seed extraction and gel

1.1 Working sample is prepared from submitted sample.

1.2 Seed to be tested is identified and records completed.

1.3 Single seeds are cut or crushed and transferred to centrifuge tubes.

1.4 Extraction solution is added and mixed with crushed seeds and allowed to stand for prescribed period.

1.5 Tubes are centrifuged and supernatants are collected and stored.

1.6 Gel mixture is prepared and chemicals and used to achieve required level of polymerisation.

2. Carry out electrophoresis

2.1 Buffer solution is placed in tanks.

2.2 Samples are loaded into wells and gel is placed in tanks.

2.3 Electrophoresis is carried out at the prescribed voltage and duration.

2.4 Temperature is maintained as required throughout the process

3. Fix and stain sample

3.1 Gel is removed from tank and treated with chemicals as prescribed.

3.2 Gel is washed and treated to enhance stain.

3.3 Stain is examined and/or photographed.

4. Evaluate stain

4.1 Banding pattern is compared with that of authentic variety or that of a known control sample.

4.2 Records and reports are provided in accordance with enterprise procedures.

4.3 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results..

5. Maintain a safe work environment

5.1 Established safe work practices and personal protective equipment are used to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel.

5.2 The generation of wastes and environmental impacts are minimised.

5.3 The safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal is ensured.

5.4 Equipment and reagents are cared for and stored as required

6. Maintain laboratory records

6.1 Approved data is entered into laboratory information management system.

6.2 Confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data is maintained.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

analyse and report results

evaluation stain banding

fix and stain seed samples

maintain security, integrity, traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation

prepare seed extraction and gel

record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures

select test methods and procedures

use a centrifuge.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

seed biology

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

principles of electrophoresis

range of electrophoresis testing procedures

materials and apparatus used in electrophoresis testing

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

using stain patterns and "fingerpints" to determine seed variety.

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:

extract seed and prepare gel

centrifuging seed and gel mixes

interpreting stain bands and patterns.

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.

Seed may include:

bare seed; treated seed; and coated seed that has been prepared as required.