Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:57 AM AWST

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Release biological agents

Release biological agents

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPMG304A
State Code
D7127
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/01/2012
Field of Education
059901 - Pest And Weed Control
Original Release Date
27/01/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of releasing biological control agents for weed or pest animal control in an experimental or field situation and defines the standard required to: source suitable biological control agents for target plant species; identify the site and release methodology; documentation of release is kept and effected landholders informed; biological agent releases are monitored and follow up planned.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish the scope of agent release
  • 1.1. Target plant species are located and identified consistent with integrated pest management strategy where applicable.
  • 1.2. Incidence and density of the target population are estimated and recorded according to enterprise procedures where appropriate.
  • 1.3. Suitable biological control agents are identified and sourced consistent with enterprise procedures and/or integrate pest management strategy.
2. Identify the site and release methodology
  • 2.1. Release site is identified in line with target species and integrated pest management strategy.
  • 2.2. Release methodology is established and scheduled in line with established agency advice or enterprise practice.
3. Carry out on-site tasks
  • 3.1. Permits and landholder co-operation are established to facilitate release program.
  • 3.2. Release is carried out within enterprise or industry guidelines regarding weather or other conditions.
  • 3.3. Release is completed as scheduled according to release methodology and details are recorded in laboratory and field records following enterprise procedure or industry standard.
4. Monitor and report on biological agent releases
  • 4.1. Biological agent release site is monitored to evaluate effectiveness and spread to target species consistent with the integrated pest management strategy where appropriate.
  • 4.2. Regular reports are provided to landholder and regulatory authorities.
  • 4.3. Records are completed as required by agency requirements.
  • 4.4. Biological agent releases are scheduled according to agent and target biology consistent with the integrated pest management strategy.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Biological control agents may include:
control agents for insects, fungi, plants, and pest animals.
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:
source suitable biological control agents for target plant species
suitable biological control agents are sourced for target plant species
identify the site and release methodology
documentation of release is kept and effected landholders informed
biological agent releases are monitored and follow up planned.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S2625 RTD3707A Release biological agents Unit of competency