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: 

Propagate plants from stem cuttings 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264188  Propagate plants from stem cuttings 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
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 person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Select and prepare the cutting material.
  • Utilise the tools and equipment to perform stem cuttings.
  • Perform cuttings with various stem types.
  • Provide primary care for stem cuttings. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the safety practices that must be adhered to when stem cuttings are taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be usedworn towhile propagateing plants is described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The safe use of "cutting" knives and secateurs areis explained and demonstrated according to procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazardous chemicals are handled safely in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of reporting a safety incident is explained according to company's procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The benefits of utilising good housekeeping practices are explained in terms of the role that these procedures play in minimizing the occurrence of safety incidents. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the necessary hygiene practices that must be followed when taking stem cuttings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of maintaining good personal hygiene when cutting conducting stems cuttings is explained in terms of the potential health risks to workers if these are ignored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of adhering to plant hygiene practices is explained in respect of the various ways in which plant diseases and viruses can be transmitted in the cutting environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential dangers that plant diseases and viruses pose, are described in terms of the detrimental effects that these have on the crop/batch of plants that are being propagated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The limitations that detergents have in combating diseases and micro-organisms are explained in terms of their primary function in the cleaning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role that disinfectants play in sanitizing the cutting equipment is explained in respect of their effectiveness in destroying diseases and micro-organisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Cutting equipment is cleaned and sanitised in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Take nodal stem cuttings from selected plant material for use in propagation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The objectives of taking a nodal cutting are explained in respect of the processes that promote growth in the cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples of plant material that is commonly used for nodal cuttings are listed in terms of their ease of "take" and propagation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Plant material is prepared for nodal cuttings in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of using the correct tools to take cuttings is explained in respect of the cleanliness of cut and stem protection effected by these tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Nodal stem cuttings are taken in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Take stem cuttings from selected softwood plant material for use in propagation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The objectives of taking a softwood cutting are explained in respect of the processes that promote growth in the cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples of commonly used softwood plant material are listed in terms of their ease of "take" and propagation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Softwood plant material is prepared for cuttings in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of using the correct tools to take cuttings is explained in respect of the cleanness of cut and stem protection given by these tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Softwood cuttings are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Take stem cuttings from selected semi-hardwood plant material for use in propagation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The objectives of taking a semi-hardwood cutting are explained in respect of the processes that promote growth in the cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examples of commonly used semi-hardwood plant material are listed in terms of their ease of "take" and propagation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Semi-hardwood is prepared for cutting in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of using the correct tools to take cuttings is explained in respect of the cleanness of cut and stem protection given by these tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Semi-hardwood cuttings are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare the propagation containers and place the stem cuttings in the rooting media. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process of stem rooting is explained in respect of the factors that encourage rooting and their role in the development of a new plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for using rooting hormones are explained in terms of the benefits that these compounds have in the promotion of root formation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Rooting media is described in terms of its constituents and the role that they perform in the establishment of a rooted cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The filling of the container with rooting media is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application of rooting hormone to the cutting and the placement of the cutting into the rooting medium is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of labelling the containers correctly is explained in respect of the possible consequences that may occur if this is neglected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for labelling containers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The function of the stem cuttings propagation unit is explained in terms of its operation and role in the production of rooted cuttings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The importance of watering the cuttings immediately after placement is explained in respect to the protection from drying out and moistening of the rooting media. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Take care of stem cuttings to ensure successful plant production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of keeping the cuttings moist is explained in terms of maintaining a suitable environment to encourage rooting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedure for the inspection and regular removal of dead and rotted cuttings is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of regularly checking for the presence of pests and disease amongst the cuttings is explained in respect of the danger to the batch/crop that can occur if the corrective actions are not timeously implemented. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of conducting periodic checks of the cutting's status, is explained in terms of the need to confirm when rooting has taken place. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Harden off the rooted stem cuttings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why rooted cuttings should be hardened off are explained in respect of the necessity to acclimatise the new plants to the outside environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The preparations for the hardening off of the rooted cuttings are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of using the correct growth media for "planting on" is explained in terms of ensuring that the new plants will achieve the optimum growth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The practices for planting cuttings into containers demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct placement of the rooted cuttings in the hardening off area is described in terms of phasing in the acclimatisation to the different micro climates. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons for altering the depth and frequency of watering are explained in terms of the hardening off regimes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods of weeding the containers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each Specific Outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying plant propagation hygiene when conducting stem cuttings. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing the cutting materials and rooting media before conducting stem cuttings. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Compile lists of the completed cuttings and ensure that each batch is correctly labled. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Ensuring that all the equipment and cutting material are sanitised. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in 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  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  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. Joypat farming and Projects 


    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.