1. Prepare for a seed vigour test

1.1 Test request is reviewed to identify samples to be tested, required test methods and equipment.

1.2 Equipment and working space are cleaned and calibrated to enterprise standards.

2. Receive and prepare samples

2.1 Samples are logged using standard operating procedures (SOPs).

2.2 Sample description is recorded, compared with specification and discrepancies reported to supervisor.

2.3 Samples and standards are prepared in accordance with testing method requirements.

2.4 Traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results is maintained.

2.5 If control samples are being used, ensure they are prepared according to enterprise guidelines (Reinstated MT).

3. Check equipment before use

3.1 Equipment/instruments are set up in accordance with test method requirements.

3.2 Pre-use and safety checks are performed in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures.

3.3 Faulty or unsafe components and equipment are identified and reported to appropriate personnel.

3.4 Equipment calibration is checked using specified standards and procedures, if applicable.

3.5 Out of calibration equipment/instruments is quarantined.

3.6 Reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements.

4. Conduct test

4.1 The test method to be used is determined according to the type of seed or as requested by the person requesting the test.

4.2 Equipment is cleaned and maintained in a clean state as required by enterprise guidelines

4.3 A working sample is prepared and replicates using mixing and dividing processes according to enterprise guidelines.

4.4 Seed is prepared, placed and/or treated to suit test method requirements and enterprise guidelines.

4.5 Measurements are made with equipment and/or counting and results are recorded as determined by test method and enterprise guidelines.

4.6 A statement of specific variable is prepared and provided to accompany the results.

5. Evaluate test results

5.1 The number of seeds or seedlings with required characteristics in each replicate is counted.

5.2 The percentage of seed or seedlings with required characteristics in each replicate is calculated and average percentage across all replicates is determined.

5.3 Result of seed vigour test is reported to supervisor.

6. Process and interpret data

6.1 Test data is recorded noting atypical observations.

6.2 Results are recorded and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures.

6.3 Trends in data and/or results are interpreted and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.

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

7. Maintain a safe work environment

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

7.2 The generation of wastes and environmental impacts are minimised.

7.3 The safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal is carried out.

7.4 Equipment and store equipment and reagents are cleaned and cared for as required.

8. Maintain laboratory records

8.1 Approved data is entered into laboratory information management system.

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

8.3 Equipment and calibration logs are maintained in accordance with enterprise procedures.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

interpret test methods and procedures

carry out sample preparation procedures

perform calibration checks

plan work sequences

designate components of test to other staff

use calculation methods, including appropriate units, uncertainties, balancing equations, and the concentration of the solution given the chemical reaction for the titration

record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures

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

prepare and treat seed for testing

follow enterprise guidelines and standard operating procedures

calculate percentages, averages

evaluate and report results.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

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

seed biology

seed identification

range of seed vigour testing procedures

materials and apparatus used in seed vigour testing

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

calculations, tolerances and rounding results.

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:

prepare and conduct a seed vigour test

record results

interpret and present 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.

Seed may include:

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

Seed vigour may include:

rate and uniformity of seed germination and seedling growth;

emergence ability of seeds under unfavourable environmental conditions;

performance after storage including the retention of the ability to germinate.

Test methods may include:

stress tests; seedling growth tests; and biochemical tests.