Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit covers the process of diagnosing tree diseases (including diseases of palms and other woody monocotyledons) and defines the standard required to: describe the growing requirements and characteristics of trees; determine the impact of the growing environment on the health of a tree; determine the mode of damage; diagnose and record tree diseases; formulate disease management program including the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); provide a reasoned prognosis; document a management program report; monitor and recommend changes to the management program. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit applies to the process of diagnosing tree diseases and is likely to be undertaken without supervision. Responsibility for and organisation of the work of others involved in the diagnosis and management of tree diseases may be required. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Assess environmental impact |
1.1. The tree is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin determined. 1.2. The seasonal growth stages of the tree are determined. 1.3. Any regular cultural practices are identified where appropriate. 1.4. Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific tree species are determined. 1.5. Environmental and cultural factors that predispose the tree to diseases are identified. 1.6. Relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media are determined and assessed. |
2. Identify diseased trees |
2.1. Impact of disease type on tree parts and systems is determined. 2.2. Natural defence systems of the trees against major disease types are considered. 2.3. Disease groups are determined according to a disease classification guide. 2.4. Signs and symptoms of disease are used to identify which trees are diseased. |
3. Diagnose tree disease |
3.1. Symptoms and signs of disease are recorded using accepted nomenclature. 3.2. Samples and evidence are collated into a reference collection. 3.3. Disease type is determined according a disease classification guide. 3.4. Identification of macro biotic disease is determined to genus level. 3.5. Specimens are prepared for microscopic examination of micro biotic diseases. 3.6. Specialist services are determined and consulted in complex or indeterminate cases. 3.7. Specimens are correctly collected, packaged and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required. |
4. Provide a prognosis |
4.1. The current health and energy reserves of the tree are determined. 4.2. The severity and extent of the disease is assessed. 4.3. The virulence of the disease on the specific host is researched. 4.4. The phenology of the host and the disease are determined. 4.5. Lag time of management options is researched and considered. 4.6. Influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options are considered. 4.7. An informed prognosis is provided in writing and verbally. |
5. Develop, document and monitor the management program |
5.1. Management options are researched and appropriate options are recommended. 5.2. A disease management program is developed within IPM guidelines. 5.3. Tree diseases and management programs are recorded and documented in a report. 5.4. Management plans are monitored and modified or refined as needed. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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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:
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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. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. |
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Trees may include: |
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Disease may include; |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Arboriculture |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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Competency field
Competency field |