Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:49 AM AWST

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Diagnose plant health problems

Diagnose plant health problems

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCPCM501A
State Code
D7151
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/09/2013
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
03/09/2013
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit covers the process of diagnosing plant health problems and defines the standard required to: identify plant species and describe their growing requirements and characteristics; assess the suitability of the growing environment and the level of beneficial organisms; diagnose and record plant disorders and diseases; formulate a weed, pest or disease control program using the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); implement modifications to plant growing conditions; document a treatment program report.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Monitor factors that influence plant health
  • 1.1. The plant species is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin stated.
  • 1.2. The seasonal growth stages of the plant are determined.
  • 1.3. Day to day cultural practices used on each horticultural species are recorded.
  • 1.4. Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific plant species are determined.
  • 1.5. Climatic data and environmental growing conditions are recorded.
  • 1.6. The presence (or numbers) of beneficial organisms is recorded according to enterprise guidelines.
2. Diagnose plant health problems
  • 2.1. Environmental and cultural factors that predispose plants to attack by pests and diseases are identified.
  • 2.2. The symptoms and signs of plant health problems are identified using accepted nomenclature.
  • 2.3. The severity and extent of the problem in a plant species are assessed.
  • 2.4. Observations are compared with published data, historical records, own experience, and enterprise guidelines.
  • 2.5. The possible causes of the plant health problem are determined.
  • 2.6. Consult with specialist services in severe, complex or rapid onset cases.
  • 2.7. Plant or soil specimens are sampled and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required.
  • 2.8. Plant disorders and problems are recorded and documented in a report.
3. Remedy plant health problems
  • 3.1. A weed, pest and disease control program is formulated according to the enterprise IPM strategy and production plan.
  • 3.2. Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for work activities are identified, costs/benefits analysed, and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.
  • 3.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with work activities are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.
  • 3.4. A range of modifications to growing conditions that could be considered in a specific situation are identified.
  • 3.5. Modifications to growing conditions for a specific plant species are selected and implemented, having regard to cost of damage, marketing requirements and sustainable horticultural practices.
4. Evaluate treatment program
  • 4.1. Plants are monitored during treatment.
  • 4.2. Appropriate data is recorded according to enterprise guidelines.
  • 4.3. Observations are compared to expected results.
  • 4.4. Modifications to the treatment program are recommended to client/management.
  • 4.5. Treatment program report is documented and presented to client/management.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Plants may include:
all plant species and cultivars.
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 plant species and describe their growing requirements and characteristics
assess the suitability of the growing environment and the level of beneficial organisms
diagnose and record plant disorders and diseases
formulate a weed, pest or disease control program using the principles of Integrated Pest Management
implement modifications to plant growing conditions
document a treatment program report.
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
S3360 RTF4023A Promote plant health Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAN68 AHCPCM501 Diagnose plant health problems Unit of competency