Collect and store propagation material

This standard is for those who carry out the collection and storage of propagation material.

It covers the collection of different types of propagation material and the requirements for storage. This includes vegetative material and seeds.

You will be working in accordance with instructions and specifications.

1. carry out your work in accordance with instructions and specifications
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

3. prepare, use and maintain equipment safely and correctly

4. identify plants from which propagation material is to be collected

5. confirm material meets specifications and is suitable for propagation

6. handle plant material in a manner that minimises damage and waste

7. collect the propagation material in accordance with specifications
8. label and store collected propagation material in accordance with specifications
9. maintain suitable levels of hygiene and biosecurity whilst collecting and storing propagation material

10. process waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions

11. complete propagation collection and storage records as required

12. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. ​the importance of completing the collection and storage of propagation material in accordance with specifications
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity

3. the types of tools and equipment required for collecting and storing propagation material, and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly

4. the type of plants that can be propagated

5. where and how to obtain information on plants and plant identification

6. the structure of plants

7. the ways in which plant material should be handled

8. how to collect propagation material and the requirements of the specifications

9. the labelling and storage requirements of different types of propagation material

10. the importance of maintaining hygiene and biosecurity during collection and storage of propagation material

11. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements

12. the records which need to be completed in relation to the collection and storage of propagation material

13. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment

14. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

Use and maintain the following equipment when collecting and storing propagation material:

1. cutting equipment
2. containers for storage and transport of material

Instructions: verbal or written.

Propagation methods:

• cuttings (including soft wood and leaf cuttings)
• budding (including leaf budding)
• grafting
• micro-propagation

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organsational policies.