Perform an endophytic seed test

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:27 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
AHCSDT407

State Code
BAQ57

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

Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine of the presence of fungal endophyte in certain grasses.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 for endophyte testing

1.1 Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test methods and equipment
1.2 Clean and prepare equipment and working space
1.3 Prepare endophyte staining solution and alkaline or acid solution depending on method to be used
1.4 Prepare working sample from Pure Seed

2. Test seed for endophyte presence

2.1 Soften seed for recommended time in the prepared solution at the prescribed temperature
2.2 Rinse seed thoroughly in running tap water
2.3 Remove lemma, palea and endosperm from seed and place the remaining tissue on a microscope slide in a drop of endophyte staining solution crushing if necessary
2.4 Place cover glass on seed, applying gentle pressure and blot up excess stain
2.5 Examine seed with compound microscope and score as positive if endophytic hyphae are present, or negative if absent

3. Test seedlings for endophyte presence

3.1 Take 200-250 seeds from working sample at random
3.2 Sow seeds in good quality commercial potting mix at low density to allow for good growth
3.3 Examine well-developed seedlings from the germinated sample after growing for a minimum of 42 days
3.4 Cut seedling away from remnant seed and remove outermost sheath from the base of the seedling
3.5 Discard sheaths which are discoloured or have developed chlorophyll
3.6 Isolate a 3-5 mm wide longitudinal section of the sheath and place section on a microscope slide with the epidermis side down
3.7 Stain section immediately with the endophyte staining solution for prescribed time period
3.8 Place cover glass over the stained sheath section, press gently and blot of any excess staining solution
3.9 Examine the section with compound microscope and score as positive or negative if endophytic hyphae are present or absent

4. Record and report test results

4.1 Enter results under ‘other determinations’
4.2 Record sample size used for testing and whether seeds or seedlings were tested
4.3 Report results in terms of the percentage of seeds or seedlings in which endophyte was detected

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
WE661	AHCSDT407A	Perform an endophytic seed 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