AHCARB514 — Diagnose tree diseases

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• identified and collated representative samples of at least 30 diseases of trees, including evidence of infection, into a referenced collection, including: 10 invertebrate pests, including insects and molluscs; 10 pathogenic organisms; 10 environmental and soil disorders. Where biosecurity is a concern, the sample can be replaced by a high quality informative image.
• identified the affected tree and determined its origin and seasonal growth stages
• determined factors affecting tree health and growth, which must include: current and past cultural practices, characteristics of growing environment, environmental and cultural factors that predispose trees to disease
• assessed physical and chemical properties of the soil or growing media
• identified trees with diseases
• recognised natural defence systems for major disease types
• determined disease groups according to disease classification
• investigated trees for signs and symptoms of disease
• recorded symptoms and signs of disease using accepted nomenclature
• determined impact of disease type on tree parts and systems
• determined the nature and severity of the disease
• determined disease type
• researched and identified tree diseases
• prepared specimens of diseases for microscopic examination
• collected, packaged and prepared specimens for dispatch for specialist diagnosis or laboratory testing according to biosecurity procedures
• determined current health and vigour of the tree
• assessed severity and extent of the disease
• researched virulence of the disease on the specific host
• determined phenology of the host and the disease
• researched and considered the constraints for management options
• considered influences of environmental conditions on host, disease and management options
• documented prognosis according to workplace procedures
• investigated and recommended management options
• developed a disease management program
• recorded and documented tree diseases and management programs in a report
• monitored, reviewed and updated management plan

Knowledge evidence

• definition of disease and basic concepts of plant pathology, including: plant pathogens, pests and disorders; macro organisms, microorganisms; disease classification guides; virulence, phenology, prognosis and disease severity and extent; economics and tree diseases
• trees species; their growing environment and relationship to diseases, including: taxonomic identification; tree anatomy, physiology, pathology; life cycle stages and characteristics of trees and their vulnerabilities; primary cellular and anatomical structures of trees; critical systems in trees and relationship to plant health, including physiological and biochemical; natural defence mechanisms and systems of trees; implications of growing season, climate and regional characteristics on tree species and disease development; cultural practices, including mulching, irrigation, pruning
• impact of soil or media on tree health, including: chemical and physical characteristics; test and test results indicating tree nutrient, and growth health issues; controlling soil and environmental problems
• identification of signs and symptoms of tree health problems, including: disease detection and identification methods; patterns of host–disease interaction for each major disease type; nomenclature of symptoms and signs of pathogens, pests and disorders
• describing the nature and severity of disease infection, including: chronic and acute; passive and aggressive; seasonal and ongoing; localised and unconfined
• methods for managing pathogens, pests and disorders, including: mechanical control practicalities; chemical use, toxicity and safety, compatibility and off-target considerations; managing the cultural factors, growing conditions and environment; managing soil fertility and amelioration; biological control and working with natural agents to control pathogens, pests and growing environment; importance and use of Integrated Pest Management strategies
• biosecurity and basic principles of hygiene in arboricultural work
• constraints to disease management, including: timing and scheduling treatments; cost and budgetary constraints; perceived and real value of infected tree
• tree diseases collection and diagnosis, including: collecting, preserving, securing and storing specimens and examples of tree pathogens, pests and disorders; biosecurity risks and mitigation when collecting and storing specimens; preparation of specimens for diagnostics; microscopic and macroscopic examinations; microscope slide preparation
• methods of providing a reasoned prognosis
• horticultural function, cultural and performance requirements and characteristics of the trees or other woody plants
• processes and principles of researching tree health problems, diagnoses and remedial treatment available
• industry standards and terminology to describe disease attributes
• recording and reporting tree disease prognosis and management strategies, including: written documentation; oral presentations

Foundation skills

• Reading: Interpret complex and technical information from scientific references to identify diseases and their virulence on host plants
• Writing: Generate complex management plans for diseases, demonstrating control over a range of writing styles

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Questions about assessing AHCARB514