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: 

Apply plant manipulation methods 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116128  Apply plant manipulation methods 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 achieving this unit standard will be able to train (manipulate) plants by applying a narrow range of techniques, as well as providing limited guidance to others. This unit standard builds on the learner's skills and capacity to apply plant manipulation in a production environment and use this to contribute towards to overall productivity of a production enterprise by maximizing growth and yield.

Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in plant manipulation techniques and will be able to operate in a plant production environment implementing sustainable and economically viable production principles.

They will be capacitated to gain access to the mainstream agricultural sector, in plant production, impacting directly on the sustainability of the sub-sector. The improvement in production technology will also have a direct impact on the improvement of agricultural productivity of the sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will demonstrate competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 1: Manipulate plants.
  • NQF 2: Understand the structure and functions of a plant.
  • NQF 1: Select, use and care for hand tools and basic equipment and infrastructure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and use of appropriate tools and equipment for a pre-determined manipulation method. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Manipulation methods may include, but are not limited to, framework development, flower and fruit manipulation, and pruning. Tools may include, but are not limited to, pruning shears, tie-back material, trellising and spraying equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct tools and materials to use in two or more pre-determined manipulation methods for specified crops are selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate plant growth stages are identified for the pre-determined and specified manipulation methods are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The pre-determined and specified manipulation methods are carried out correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tools and equipment required for the manipulation methods are used correctly and hygienically. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Illustrate a basic knowledge of framework development principles as part of plant manipulation methods. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Trellising methods may include, but are not limited to, Central leader system, Tattura system, two-wire system, slanted cap, factory-cap, and the Façade system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Trellising principles are explained as applied to two or more agricultural crops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The heights of stems are correctly identified and explained as relevant for two or more agricultural crops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose of the framework structure in optimising harvest and yield is explained correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an intermediate understanding of flower and fruit manipulation principles. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Flower and fruit manipulation principles may include, but are not limited to, temperature, daylight length, bud dormancy breakers, thinning, fruit enlargement, ripening, and the preparation of physical and chemical quality improvement methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and benefits of fruit and flower manipulation are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process and purpose of using chemicals for flower and fruit manipulation is explained and shown. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of physical manipulation on the fruit and flowers of two or more plant crops is shown and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Physical manipulation includes, but is not limited to thinning, shouldering, brushing, shortening, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Illustrate a basic knowledge pruning principles as a vegetative plant manipulation method appropriate to the crop. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pruning includes, but is not limited to summer and winter pruning, canopy management, etc. appropriate to the crop. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Unwanted growth from plant at the different growing stages of two or more crop plants are identified and removed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Turpose and benefit of vegetative manipulation and pruning principles as it relates to the health of plants and crop yields are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Vegetative manipulation includes but is not limited to winter pruning, summer pruning, canopy management, trellising of shoots, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The vegetative manipulation actions of another learner are supported and guided. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes; critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Names and functions of the tools required for manipulation of plants.
  • Names and functions of the different trellising methods.
  • Flower manipulation and fruit manipulation methods.
  • The principles of pruning methods.
  • The principles of manipulation of a plant.
  • Names and functions of tools and materials.
  • Safety and handling procedures of tools and material.
  • Maintaining hygienic procedures of tools and material as to prevent spreading of diseases.
  • Plant physiology and anatomy applicable to manipulation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem Solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork: relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-Management relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Interpreting Information relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use Science and Technology relates to specific outcomes:
  • Illustrate a basic knowledge of framework development principles as part of plant manipulation methods.
  • Demonstrate an intermediate understanding of flower and fruit manipulation principles.
  • Illustrate a basic knowledge pruning principles as vegetative plant manipulation methods appropriate to the crop. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness: relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-development relates to all specific outcomes. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48977   National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48975   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    3. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    4. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    5. Escay Catering and other Services 
    6. Goldfields FET College 
    7. Heedmorine Training 
    8. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    9. KayDee Project Management Cc 
    10. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    11. Kimbali Holdings 
    12. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    13. Knowledge For Ever 
    14. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    15. Maishamalema Development Training 
    16. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    17. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    18. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    19. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    20. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    21. Montshepetsa Bosui Farming & Training Cnt 
    22. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    23. Mpontshe Training 
    24. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    25. Mvelo Consultant 
    26. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    27. Ngwato Wa Mphela Agriculture Training Services 
    28. Nophelo Training Centre 
    29. Novi General Services 
    30. Phill Skills and Development Institute 
    31. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    32. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Setlakala Business Development 
    34. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    35. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    36. South Cape Public FET College - George Campus 
    37. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    38. Taletso FET College - Central Office 
    39. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    40. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    41. TM Mashwara and Projects 
    42. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    43. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    44. Tripple R Training Provider 
    45. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    46. Westco Agri 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.