SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Test vigour of seed 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114667  Test vigour of seed 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner who has achieved this unit standard will be competent in:
  • Determine the vigour of seed to assess quality. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    To enter a learning programme for this unit standard or to be assessed against this unit standard, the learner is assumed to have:
  • Understanding of general safety in the work place at NQF level 3.
  • Literacy, numeracy and communication skills at NQF level 3.
  • Introduction to the seed industry and relevant workplace.
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • Basic plant physiology and seed testing principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The learner is expected to perform the specific outcomes as reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision, but with access to work-site procedures, operating instructions and statutory requirements.
  • The learner is expected to be able to analyse the germination of the kinds of seed included in the work site procedure.
  • Operational procedures are limited to International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Rules and Handbooks.
  • Equipment refers to, but is not limited to: microscope; magnifying lamp; germination chambers and planting containers.
  • Materials refer to, but are not limited to: sub-strata; chemicals and water.
  • Peculiarities are limited to: normal and abnormal seedlings; fresh, hard and dead seed.
  • Seed testing principles include, but are not limited to: germination-, physical purity-, moisture and viability tests.
  • Vigour test method includes but is not limited to: accelerated ageing-, conductivity-, cold-, complex stress- and 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Preparing the work area for conducting a vigour test. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Cleaning and sterilising work area and equipment according to work site-, and operational procedures (ISTA Rules).
  • Identifying and selecting appropriate equipment and test methods according to work site procedures and operational procedures.
  • Reporting any defects pertaining to appropriate equipment or materials according to work site procedures and operational procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assessors will observe, confirm and evaluate evidence that will indicate that learners have demonstrated competence in each of the specific outcomes. In this unit standard the following specific criteria should be used:
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using correct sanitary procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting findings accurately according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not reporting deviations are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment, sub-strata and methods for planting and evaluating according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of recording the different fractions according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of retaining the sample and prescribed records according operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare sample and relevant documentation. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Familiarising with the peculiarities of the specific crop type regarding vigour testing method requirements according to operational procedures and work site procedures.
  • Acquiring the working sample according to work site and operational procedures.
  • Preparing relevant documentation to record action taken.
  • Preparing the seeds according to relevant method, operational- and work site procedures.
  • Returning the balance of the working sample according to operational procedures and work site procedures. · Complete relevant documentation according to work site- and operational procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assessors will observe, confirm and evaluate evidence that will indicate that learners have demonstrated competence in each of the specific outcomes. In this unit standard the following specific criteria should be used:
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using correct sanitary procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting findings accurately according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not reporting deviations are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment, sub-strata and methods for planting and evaluating according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of recording the different fractions according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of retaining the sample and prescribed records according operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct the vigour test. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Preparing the equipment and material relevant to the method, work site- and operational procedures.
  • Conducting the test according to the relevant method, work site- and operational procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assessors will observe, confirm and evaluate evidence that will indicate that learners have demonstrated competence in each of the specific outcomes. In this unit standard the following specific criteria should be used:
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using correct sanitary procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting findings accurately according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not reporting deviations are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment, sub-strata and methods for planting and evaluating according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of recording the different fractions according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of retaining the sample and prescribed records according operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate the vigour test. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Making an assessment of the particular result according to work site- and operational procedures.
  • Familiarising with the peculiarities of variations of the results of the specific tests.
  • Appraising the sample at the relevant evaluation intervals according to work site- and operational procedures.
  • Recording findings and deviations according to work site- and operational procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assessors will observe, confirm and evaluate evidence that will indicate that learners have demonstrated competence in each of the specific outcomes. In this unit standard the following specific criteria should be used:
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using correct sanitary procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting findings accurately according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not reporting deviations are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment, sub-strata and methods for planting and evaluating according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of recording the different fractions according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of retaining the sample and prescribed records according operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the process. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Restoring the work area according to operational procedures and work site procedures.
  • Completing and retaining documentation and informing relevant parties according to work site- and operational procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assessors will observe, confirm and evaluate evidence that will indicate that learners have demonstrated competence in each of the specific outcomes. In this unit standard the following specific criteria should be used:
  • Consequences of not sub-sampling accurately according to the operational procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not using correct sanitary procedures according to work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not identifying and reporting findings accurately according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • Consequences of not reporting deviations are explained.
  • The importance of using the correct equipment, sub-strata and methods for planting and evaluating according to work site procedures are explained
  • The importance of recording the different fractions according to the operational procedures and work site procedures are explained.
  • The importance of retaining the sample and prescribed records according operational procedures, work site procedures and statutory requirements are explained. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessor accredited by SETASA.
  • Any training provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited by SETASA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be done by SETASA in its ETQA capacity at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • General knowledge of the differences between germinating and non-germinating seed, as well as normal and abnormal seedlings; fresh, hard and dead seed.
  • Knowledge and theory of operation of microscopes, growth cabinets and seed-counting equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems by assessing and reporting the germination of seed. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others with whom the relevant function interfaces. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself when preparing for analysis of the germination of seed. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate the information documents, samples and condition of work site. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate with others in the process of the analysis of the germination of seed. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in appreciating the importance of accurate analysis, identification of abnormalities, irregularities and defects and the consequences of not reporting these with regard to the analysis of the germination of seed. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Values

    All learners should demonstrate :
  • An application of company ethics, values as well as general safety and customer care principles.
  • An awareness of expectations and obligations of basic worker / management / customer relationships. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48654   National Certificate: Seed Analysis  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Mpontshe Training 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.