Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:57 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Perform mycology assays

Perform mycology assays

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB805
State Code
OBV43
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
26/08/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/11/2020
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/11/2020
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely work within a laboratory environment, collect and identify wood decay fungi specimens from the field, prepare in-vitro cultures, and carry out primary experiments on fungi cultures. Work is performed using laboratory hygiene and safety procedures for sampling, sterilisation and cleaning of laboratory equipment and instruments.The unit applies to individuals with highly specialised advanced theoretical and technical knowledge for professional work and research in arboriculture. They exercise advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills and demonstrate complete autonomy, judgement and adaptability in research and analysis for complex problems.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research pathogenic and saprophytic wood decay fungi species
  • 1.1 Investigate role of microbiological organisms on tree and forest health
  • 1.2 Investigate the role and contribution of wood decay fungi to forest and tree health, and responses
  • 1.3 Examine the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of corticoid and polypore wood decay fungi
  • 1.4 Investigate the role of fungal species on specific host trees
  • 1.5 Analyse lifecycle, biology, ecology and effects of wood decay fungal species
  • 1.6 Examine relationship between fungal species and tree defects and failures
  • 1.7 Analyse biosecurity implications of pathogenic fungal species
  • 1.8 Review state and federal biosecurity plans and procedures
2. Evaluate decay and identify fungi in trees
  • 2.1 Observe and evaluate signs and symptoms of fungi causing decay in trees
  • 2.2 Identify wood decaying fungi to generic level in field
  • 2.3 Identify non-pathogenic fungi to generic level in field
  • 2.4 Record location, size, and condition of wood decay fungi and mycoparasites of hollows and cavities in trees
  • 2.5 Document details of environmental characteristics of fungal affected trees
  • 2.6 Determine methods of dissemination and infection of fungi to other trees and vegetation
  • 2.7 Sample wood decay fungi and mycoparasites from trees for in-vitro culture and identification
3. Prepare in-vitro media, cultures
  • 3.1 Select, check and fit personal protective equipment and contamination prevention clothing according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Decant and prepare standard laboratory chemicals and materials
  • 3.3 Prepare selective media to isolate and culture mycology specimens
  • 3.4 Prepare field samples ready for culturing on media
  • 3.5 Excise specimens and apply to media
  • 3.6 Maintain cultures and repeat excise procedures to isolate clean specimens
  • 3.7 Prepare and maintain cultured samples for further testing
  • 3.8 Update records and store securely according to chain of evidence protocols
4. Conduct laboratory identification and assays
  • 4.1 Prepare microscope slides of isolated cultures
  • 4.2 Examine and identify cultured fungal samples
  • 4.3 Perform laboratory identification of wood decay fungi to generic level
  • 4.4 Record digital images of identified fungi
  • 4.5 Perform laboratory assay tests to evaluate fungal characteristics
  • 4.6 Document experimental assay test results
  • 4.7 Develop and maintain mycology culture collection and submit to government database and culture collections according to procedures
  • 4.8 Prepare a diagnostic report on suspected emergency plant pest according to state and federal biosecurity procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAL42 AHCARB702 Analyse mycology cultures Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BFG4 AHC80120 Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture Qualification