Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:54 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:54 AM 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.
Diagnose tree diseases
Diagnose tree diseases
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB503A
AHCARB503A
State Code
D6667
D6667
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2011
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
13/12/2011
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit covers the process of diagnosing tree diseases (including diseases of palms and other woody monocotyledons) and defines the standard required to: describe the growing requirements and characteristics of trees; determine the impact of the growing environment on the health of a tree; determine the mode of damage; diagnose and record tree diseases; formulate disease management program including the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); provide a reasoned prognosis; document a management program report; monitor and recommend changes to the management program.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess environmental impact
- 1.1. The tree is identified to the lowest taxonomic level, and its region of origin determined.
- 1.2. The seasonal growth stages of the tree are determined.
- 1.3. Any regular cultural practices are identified where appropriate.
- 1.4. Characteristics of the growing environment that affect the growth of a specific tree species are determined.
- 1.5. Environmental and cultural factors that predispose the tree to diseases are identified.
- 1.6. Relevant physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media are determined and assessed.
2. Identify diseased trees
- 2.1. Impact of disease type on tree parts and systems is determined.
- 2.2. Natural defence systems of the trees against major disease types are considered.
- 2.3. Disease groups are determined according to a disease classification guide.
- 2.4. Signs and symptoms of disease are used to identify which trees are diseased.
3. Diagnose tree disease
- 3.1. Symptoms and signs of disease are recorded using accepted nomenclature.
- 3.2. Samples and evidence are collated into a reference collection.
- 3.3. Disease type is determined according a disease classification guide.
- 3.4. Identification of macro biotic disease is determined to genus level.
- 3.5. Specimens are prepared for microscopic examination of micro biotic diseases.
- 3.6. Specialist services are determined and consulted in complex or indeterminate cases.
- 3.7. Specimens are correctly collected, packaged and dispatched for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing where required.
4. Provide a prognosis
- 4.1. The current health and energy reserves of the tree are determined.
- 4.2. The severity and extent of the disease is assessed.
- 4.3. The virulence of the disease on the specific host is researched.
- 4.4. The phenology of the host and the disease are determined.
- 4.5. Lag time of management options is researched and considered.
- 4.6. Influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options are considered.
- 4.7. An informed prognosis is provided in writing and verbally.
5. Develop, document and monitor the management program
- 5.1. Management options are researched and appropriate options are recommended.
- 5.2. A disease management program is developed within IPM guidelines.
- 5.3. Tree diseases and management programs are recorded and documented in a report.
- 5.4. Management plans are monitored and modified or refined as needed.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Trees may include:
all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.
Disease may include;
both biotic and abiotic diseases and their mode of impact on trees, palms and woody monocotyledons along with a variety of management protocols.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Trees may include:
all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.
Disease may include;
both biotic and abiotic diseases and their mode of impact on trees, palms and woody monocotyledons along with a variety of management protocols.
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:
describe the growing requirements and characteristics of trees
determine the impact of the growing environment on the health of a tree
determine the mode of damage
diagnose and record tree diseases
formulate disease management program including the use of IPM
provide a reasoned prognosis
document a management program report
monitor and recommend changes to the management program.
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.
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:
describe the growing requirements and characteristics of trees
determine the impact of the growing environment on the health of a tree
determine the mode of damage
diagnose and record tree diseases
formulate disease management program including the use of IPM
provide a reasoned prognosis
document a management program report
monitor and recommend changes to the management program.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAQ67 | AHCARB602 | Diagnose tree diseases | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D517 | AHC50510 | Diploma of Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D516 | AHC50410 | Diploma of Horticulture | Qualification |
| D519 | AHC50710 | Diploma of Parks and Gardens Management | Qualification |