Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:37 PM AWST

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Perform a tetrazolium test

Perform a tetrazolium test

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSDT409
State Code
BAN05
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform a tetrazolium test to assess seed viability or germination potential.It applies to senior seed analysts who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare replicates for testing
  • 1.1 Draw seeds from the pure seed fraction for the number of replicates to be tested ensuring there is no selection of seed which may cause biased results
  • 1.2 Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment
2. Prepare seed and tetrazolium solution
  • 2.1 Pre-moisten seed under prescribed temperature and light conditions to reduce possibility of injury to seeds when puncturing or cutting and to enable penetration of the tetrazolium solution
  • 2.2 Remove sticky mucilage from seeds as necessary
  • 2.3 Expose seed tissue before staining as appropriate for the species being tested
  • 2.4 Keep seeds moist before testing
  • 2.5 Prepare tetrazolium solution using distilled water and add trace amounts of fungicide or antibiotics to solution if necessary for the species being tested
3. Stain with tetrazolium solution
  • 3.1 Immerse seeds in tetrazolium solution
  • 3.2 Maintain test at a temperature within the range 20 to 40°C, and maintain low light levels to facilitate staining
  • 3.3 Increase duration of staining if temperatures below 30°C are used or decrease if higher temperatures are used
  • 3.4 Decant the solution at end of staining period, rinse seeds with water and keep damp
4. Evaluate test results
  • 4.1 Examine and evaluate each seed as viable or non-viable based on staining patterns applicable to the species being tested
  • 4.2 Count the number of seeds considered viable in each replicate
  • 4.3 Calculate the percentage of viable seed in each replicate and determine average percentage of viable seed across all replicates
5. Finalise reporting and clean up
  • 5.1 Record and report results of test
  • 5.2 Collect and dispose of laboratory and hazardous waste
  • 5.3 Clean apparatus and equipment used in tetrazolium test and dispose of used chemicals and solutions safely
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WE663 AHCSDT409A Perform a tetrazolium seed viability test Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODU32 AHCSDT412 Perform advanced tests on seeds Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BDD6 AHC41516 Certificate IV in Seed Testing Qualification