Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:23 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:23 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 a tetrazolium seed viability test
Perform a tetrazolium seed viability test
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSDT409A
AHCSDT409A
State Code
WE663
WE663
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This Unit covers the process of staining seeds with a tetrazolium solution to assess seed viability or germination potential.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare replicates for testing
- 1.1 Pure Seed is mixed thoroughly to reduce bias in results.
- 1.2 Prescribed number of replicates are drawn from the Pure Seed fraction according to enterprise guidelines.
- 1.3 Safe work practices and personal protective equipment are used to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel.
2. Pre-moisten replicates
- 2.1 Seed is pre-moistened to reduce possibility of injury to seeds when puncturing or cutting and to enable penetration of the tetrazolium solution under prescribed temperature and light conditions.
- 2.2 Sticky mucilage is removed from seeds as necessary.
- 2.3 Seed tissue is exposed prior to staining according to enterprise guidelines.
- 2.4 Seeds are kept moist prior to testing.
3. Stain with tetrazolium solution
- 3.1 Seeds are completely immersed in tetrazolium solution according to enterprise guidelines.
- 3.2 Fungicides and/or antibiotics may be added to solution according to enterprise guidelines.
- 3.3 Low light levels are maintained as required by testing procedures to facilitate staining.
- 3.4 At completion of staining period, the solution is decanted and seeds are rinsed with water.
4. Evaluate test results
- 4.1 Each seed is examined and evaluated as viable or non-viable based on staining patterns applicable to the species being tested.
- 4.2 The number of seeds considered viable in each replicate is counted.
- 4.3 The percentage of viable seed in each replicate is calculated and average percentage of viable seed across all replicates is determined.
5. Finalise reporting and clean up
- 5.1 Results of test are recorded and reported according to enterprise guidelines.
- 5.2 Laboratory and hazardous waste are safely handled, collected and disposed of according to enterprise guidelines.
- 5.3 Apparatus and equipment used in tetrazolium test is cleaned and used chemicals and solutions are disposed of safely in accordance with enterprise guidelines.
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Seed may include:
bare seed; treated seed; and coated seed that has been prepared as required.
Replicate sample may include:
pure seed fraction of a purity test, or a representative fraction of the submitted sample.
Pre-moistening method may include:
slow moistening through imbibing between moist paper, or soaking in water.
Exposure of tissue may include:
piercing the seed; longitudinal cutting; transverse cutting, transverse incision; excision of embryo, or removal of seed coat.
Seed may include:
bare seed; treated seed; and coated seed that has been prepared as required.
Replicate sample may include:
pure seed fraction of a purity test, or a representative fraction of the submitted sample.
Pre-moistening method may include:
slow moistening through imbibing between moist paper, or soaking in water.
Exposure of tissue may include:
piercing the seed; longitudinal cutting; transverse cutting, transverse incision; excision of embryo, or removal of seed coat.
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:
preparation of replicates for testing
staining with tetrazolium
evaluation and reporting of test results.
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.
Method of assessment
This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
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:
preparation of replicates for testing
staining with tetrazolium
evaluation and reporting of test results.
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.
Method of assessment
This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAN05 | AHCSDT409 | Perform a tetrazolium test | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J273 | AHC41512 | Certificate IV in Seed Testing | Qualification |