Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

AHC10v5

Included missing information in Required Skills and Knowldege

1

AHC10

Initial release. Supersedes and is equivalent to RTC2026A

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of undertaking propagation activities and defines the standard required to: collect and maintain suitable plant material; apply a range of propagation techniques; maintain and monitor propagated plants; maintain plant hygiene.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of carrying out a range of propagation tasks, such as preparing plant stock, collecting propagation materials, pre-planting treatments and basic plant propagation techniques. This standard involves working within routine methods and procedures under supervision with intermittent checking. Responsibility for some roles and coordination within a team may be required.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for plant propagation

1.1. Workplace information is interpreted and clarified according to instructions.

1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the work area are identified, rectified and/or reported.

1.3. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used, maintained and stored.

1.4. Tools and equipment appropriate to the task being undertaken are selected and prepared according to written guidelines.

1.5. Propagation material is collected using the appropriate method for the species.

1.6. Propagation material is maintained and stored to ensure maximum viability.

2. Propagate plants

2.1. Pre-treatment is applied and/or carried out appropriate to the propagation method and species.

2.2. Propagation techniques are carried out according to the requirements of the species.

2.3. Propagation material is handled in a way that minimises damage and maximises viability.

2.4. Water and nutrients are applied to suit the media conditions, plant requirements and propagation techniques employed.

2.5. Labels are applied according to enterprise guidelines.

2.6. Plant health is monitored and remedial action is taken according to written guidelines.

2.7. Propagation activities are carried out according to OHS requirements.

3. Complete propagation activities

3.1. Records are completed accurately and at the required time according to written guidelines.

3.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored according to manufacturer specifications.

3.3. Waste is removed and hygiene practices are followed according to enterprise and OHS requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect propagation material
• maintain environmental parameters and temperature controls
• apply pre-treatments
• carry out a variety of propagation techniques
• minimise damage and maximise viability
• apply water and nutrients
• read and interpret instructions
• participate in teams and contribute to team objectives
• communicate effectively with fellow team members
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• propagation methods required for a range of plant species
• enterprise hygiene requirements
• quality specifications/characteristics of a range of parent plants and propagation materials
• basic plant nutrition
• botany and physiology
• maintenance requirements of tools and equipment used for propagation
• OHS requirements of employees
• record keeping relevant to the work function
• enterprise requirements for handling and disposal of nursery wastes
• common problems that may occur while performing propagation activities in a controlled environment
• OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice
• OHS procedures.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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:

• collect suitable plant material
• successfully apply a range of propagation techniques
• maintain and monitor propagated plants
• maintain plant hygiene.

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 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Propagation techniques may include:

• seed - (small seed sown in modules and pricked out or sown in seedbeds by hand)
• cuttings - (hardwood stem, semi-ripe stem, leaf, root)
• simple layering
• growing on tissue-cultured plants
• division or splitting
• spores.

Propagation techniques does not include:

• budding and grafting.

Unit sector 

Nursery

Co-requisite units 

Competency field