Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of controlling plant pests, diseases and disorders taking into consideration Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options and defines the standard required to: identify a range of pests, diseases and disorders, and beneficial organisms; assess damage or threat to plants; select pest and disease controls and timing of operations; prepare and calibrate equipment; apply a range of pest and disease control methods and keep records; monitor the effectiveness of controls.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in plant-based enterprises or activities and is likely to be under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress. Responsibility for and limited organisation of the work of others may be involved.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess pests and disease infestation

1.1. Scope and size of the infestation is assessed.

1.2. Plants pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms are identified and reported or recorded in field notes.

1.3. Levels of pest infestations tolerated by the client, market or environment are identified from the IPM strategy.

2. Plan the implementation of control measures

2.1. Control measures suitable for the infestation are selected from IPM strategy.

2.2. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected for each work activity according to enterprise work procedures.

2.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

2.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to procedures.

2.5. Control measures selected need to be in full consideration of OHS and environmental implications.

3. Implement control measures

3.1. Enterprise work team, contractors and IPM product suppliers are coordinated in a sequential, timely and effective manner in consultation with the supervisor.

3.2. Control measures are implemented according to the IPM standards or industry Code of Practice.

3.3. A clean and safe work area is maintained throughout and on completion of each activity.

3.4. Records are maintained as required by legislation and enterprise guidelines.

4. Monitor control methods

4.1. Control methods are monitored to identify side effects to other plants, animals or external environment.

4.2. Effectiveness of control methods are assessed in reference to specified industry, OHS and enterprise standards.

4.3. Adjustments to IPM control methods are implemented where necessary to meet enterprise specifications.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• recognise a range of pests, diseases and beneficial organisms within a particular enterprise
• communicate with work team members, supervisors, contractors and consultants
• understand IPM symbols and information
• interpret and apply an IPM- based program
• utilise proforma reporting, analysis and work procedure documents
• interpret and apply plant pest and disease spatial and logistical specifications
• interpret and apply test results, and calculate the quantities and application rates of control materials
• coordinate work groups, contractors and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete activities in a timely and cost effective manner
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• pests and disease recognition
• economic, aesthetic or environmental thresholds for a range of plant pests, diseases and disorders
• chemical, biological and cultural control methods and treatments available to the enterprise within the parameters of an IPM program
• range and use of tools, equipment and machinery available to the enterprise for implementing the control measures
• range of site monitoring and analysis techniques that may be used to implement and IPM program
• choice of plant pest and disease methods with site limitations, environmental implications, end market and production or environmental objectives for the site
• IPM standards or industry Code of Practice
• occupational health and safety responsibilities for employees and employers
• correct use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.
• OHS and environmental legislative requirements including hazardous substances regulations.

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:

• identify a range of pests, diseases and disorders, and beneficial organisms
• assess damage or threat to plants
• select pest and disease controls and timing of operations
• prepare and calibrate equipment
• apply a range of pest and disease control methods and keep records
• monitor the effectiveness of controls.

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.

Pests, diseases and disorders may include:

• the range of pests, diseases and disorders of plants managed or controlled by using a range of integrated measures of management and control.

Unit sector 

Pest management

Co-requisite units 

Competency field