COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Sector Agriculture and Fishery

Qualification
Agricultural Crops Production NC II
Title

Unit of
Perform Nursery Operations
Competency

Module Title Performing Nursery Operations

Date Developed: Document No:

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 PADRE GARCIA INTEGRATED NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
POBLACION PADRE GARCIA BATANGAS

Competency-Based Learning Material

PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATIONS

Date Developed: Document No:

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 HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING
MATERIAL

Welcome to the Module Performing Nursery Operations. This module

contains training materials and activities for you to complete.
The unit of competency “Perform Nursery Operations” contained the
knowledge and skills and attitudes required for Agricultural Crops
Production NC II. It is one of the specialized modules at National Certificate
Level II (NC II).
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order
to complete each of the learning outcomes of this module. In each learning
outcome, Learning Elements and Reference Materials are available for your
further reading to assist you in the required activities. You are expected to
accomplish all the required activities and to answer the self-check after each
learning element. You are required to obtain answer sheets, which are
available from your trainer or at the end of each learning element, to reflect
answers for each self-check. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to
ask your facilitator for assistance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may already have some or most of the knowledge and skills covered
in this learners guide because you have:

● Been working for some time

● Already completed training in this area
If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a
particular outcome, you don’t have to do the same training again. Talk to your
trainer about having them formally recognized. If you have a qualification or
certificate of competence from previous training, show it to your trainer. If the
skills you acquired are still current and relevant to the unit/s of competency
they may become part of evidence you can present to RPL. If you are not sure
about the currency of your skills discuss this with your trainer.
After completing this module ask your trainer to assess your
competency. Result of your assessment will be recorded in your competency
profile. All the learning activities are designed for you to complete at your own
pace.

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 This module was prepared to help you achieve the required competency,
in Performing Nursery Operations. This will be the source of information for
you to acquire knowledge and skills in this particular trade independently and
at your own pace, with minimum supervision or help from your instructor.
▪ Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the
Training of this unit. Read through the module carefully. It is divided
into sections, which cover all the skills, and knowledge you need to
successfully complete this module.

▪ Work through all the information and complete the activities in each
section. Read information sheets and complete the self-check.
Suggested references are included to supplement the materials
provided in this module.

▪ Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager.

He/she is there to support you and show you the correct way to do
things.

▪ Your trainer will tell you about the important things you need to
consider when you are completing activities and it is important that you
listen and take notes.

▪ You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practice on

the job. Make sure you practice your new skills during regular work
shifts. This way you will improve both your speed and memory and also
your confidence.

▪ Talk to more experience workmates and ask for their guidance.

▪ Use the self-check questions at the end of each section to test your own
progress.

▪ When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you perform the
activities outlined in this module.

▪ As you work through the activities, ask for written feedback on your
progress. Your trainer keeps feedback/ pre-assessment reports for this
reason. When you have successfully completed each element, ask your
trainer to mark on the reports that you are ready for assessment.

Date Developed: Document No:

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 ▪ When you have completed this module (or several modules), and feel
confident that you have had sufficient practice, your trainer will arrange
an appointment with registered assessor to assess you. The results of
your assessment will be recorded in your competency Achievement
Record.

Date Developed: Document No:

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 AGRICULTURAL CROPS PRODUCTION NC II
COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

LIST OF CORE COMPETENCIES

No Unit of Competency Module Title Code

Perform Nursery Performing Nursery

1 AFF6101
Operation Operations

2 Plant Crops Planting Crops AFF6102

Caring and Maintaining

3 Care and Maintain Crops AFF6103
Crops

Carrying- out harvest

Carry-out harvest and AFF6104
4 and postharvest
postharvest operations
operation

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL………iii
LIST OF COMPETENCIES……………………………………………………………vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………vii
MODULE CONTENT…………………………………………………………………….1
LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY………………………………………………….2
LEARNING EXPERIENCES…………………………………………………………...3
INFORMATION SHEET 1.5-1…………………………………………………………4
PLANT PROPAGATION……………………………………………………………….4-7
Self-Check 1.5-1…………………………………………………………………………..8

Answer Keys 1.5-1………………………………………………………………………..9

Job Sheet 1.5-1………………………………………………………………………….10

Performance Criteria Checklist 1.5-1……………………………………………….11

Date Developed: Document No:

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 MODULE CONTENT
QUALIFICATION TITLE: AGRICULTURAL CROPS PRODUCTION NC II
UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PERFORM NURSERY OPERATIONS
MODULE TITLE: PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATIONS

MODULE DESCRIPTOR This module covers the knowledge, skills and

attitudes required to perform nursery operations
for agricultural crops including establishing
nursery shed, preparation and handling of planting
materials, preparation of growing media,
transplanting germinated seedlings and handling of
nursery tools and equipment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this module, you must be able to:

1. Conduct propagation activities.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Set-up a nursery shed according to plant requirement.

2. Select quality seedling based on prescribed.
3. Perform plant propagation techniques based on recommended practices.
4. Maintain the plant based on recommended practices.
5. Select quality seedlings and other propagation materials based on established
criteria of the crop.

Date Developed: Document No:

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 LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY
LO5. CONDUCT PROPAGATION ACTIVITIES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Set-up nursery shed according to plant requirement.

2. Select quality seedlings based on prescribed characteristics.
3. Perform plant propagation techniques based on recommended practices.
4. Maintain the plant based on recommended practices.
5. Select quality seedlings and other propagation materials based on
established criteria of the crop.

CONTENTS:

● Plant propagation

CONDITION:

The students/ trainees must be provided with the following:

● WORKPLACE LOCATION
● EQUIPMENT
Computer
Projector
● TOOLS,MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
Budding Knife
Grafting tape
Pruning shears
● TRAINING MATERIALS
Competency Based Learning Materials
Writing Materials

METHODOLOGIES:

● Individual Study
● Video Presentation
● Demonstration

ASSESSMENT METHODS:

● Demonstration
● Oral questioning

Date Developed: Document No:

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 LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Learning Outcome No. 5

CONDUCT PROPAGATION ACTIVITIES

LEARNING ACTIVITIES SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read information Sheet on

Plant propagation
1.5-1
The focus of the learning outcome is
2. Answer self-check 1.5-1 and to understand the different plant
compare answers to self-check propagation techniques based on
answer key 1.5-1 recommended practices.

3. Perform Job sheet 1.5-1 on how Go through the information sheets

to Perform Cleft Grafting and answer the self- check to ensure
that knowledge of the standards in
4. Evaluate your output using the competency- based training are
Performance Criteria Checklist acquired.
1.5-1

After doing all the activities, you are ready to proceed to the next LO

Date Developed: Document No:

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 INFORMATION SHEET 1.5-1
PLANT PROPAGATION

Learning Objectives

After reading this information sheet, you must be able to:

● Identify plant propagation.

● Determine the different plant propagation techniques.
● Perform plant propagation techniques based on recommended
practices.
● Safety measures are practice according to OHS.

PROPAGATION

Plant Propagation is the process of creating new plants from variety of

sources: seeds, cutting, bulb and other plant parts. Plant propagation can
also refer to the artificial or natural dispersal of plants. “The art and science
of multiplying plants by sexual or asexual means.”

Sexual Propagation

Sexual propagation involves the union of the pollen (male) with the egg
(female) to produce a seed. The seed is made up of three parts: the outer seed
coat, which protects the seed; the endosperm, which is a food reserve; and
the embryo, which is the young plant itself. When a seed is mature and put in
a favorable environment, it will germinate (begin active growth). In the
following section, seed germination and transplanting of seeds will be
discussed.

Asexual Propagation

Asexual propagation, multiplication without passage through the seed

cycle, is the best way to maintain some species, particularly an individual
that best represents that species. Clones are groups of plants that are
identical to their one parent and that can only be propagated asexually.

PLANT PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES

Cutting Propagation is growing a plant from a stem or root that

has been cut from another plant. Stem cuttings are the most common and

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easiest method of propagating woody ornamental landscape plants. Almost
every landscape favorite can be propagated by cutting propagation.

Air Layering is a method of propagating new trees and shrubs

from stems still attached to the parent plant. The stem is wrapped with damp
moss to encourage roots to form.

Grafting is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are

joined to continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined
plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the rootstock.

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 Budding is the vegetative method of plant propagation and can be defined
as “ an art of insertion of a single mature bud into the stem of the rootstock in such
way that the union takes place and the combination continues to grow. It is grafting
of a single individual bud instead of whole bud stick on scion as in done in case of
grafting.

Specialized Structures

Modified Stems
bulb, corm, tuber, rhizome
Pseudobulb, runner
Modified Roots & Tuberous root

Methods of doing Cleft Grafting

1. Prepare tools and materials for grafting.

2. Before grafting, be sure that you will adjust, sanitize and sharpen all
tools and equipment.
3. Choose your scion and rootstock to be used. Make sure that they
belong to the same family.
4. Before grafting, wear personal protective equipment.

Date Developed: Document No:

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 5. Prepare the scion that you will use for your grafting. Trim by 1 inch to
1 ½ off the bottom to expose the cambium tissue.
6. Connect the scion to the rootstock; make a cut in the center of the
stem where you will put your scion.
7. Secure the graft by wrapping it with grafting tape; make sure that the
cambiums are connected to each other. Put the plastic cover on the top
of the graft.
8. Write the date and variety on a name tag to keep track of your
progress.
9. Put the grafted tree in a shaded area to prevent it from drying.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a multidisciplinary field concerned

with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work (i.e., while performing
duties required by one's occupation).

Health and safety issues relating to working with plant propagation materials
and equipment must be emphasized and reinforced regularly. Risk
assessments must be undertaken before practical activities. Adequate PPE
must be provided and used following the production of suitable risk
assessments.

SAFETY MEASURES WHILE PERFORMING PLANT PROPAGATION

For safety and healthy way of propagating fruit-bearing trees the following
must be considered:
1. Always wear complete personal protective equipment .
2. Make sure tools and equipment are working properly before using them.
3. Always follow instruction for use of equipment.
4. Focus on the work at hand. Do not allow yourself to be distracted.
5. Know your limit in working, seek help whenever necessary
6. Work in proper position. Make sure you do not strain your back while
working.

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 SELF CHECK 1.5-1

IDENTIFICATION

Write down the correct answers.

________________ 1. This is a type of plant propagation involves the

union of the pollen (male) with the egg (female) to
produce a seed.

________________ 2. It is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of

plants are joined to continue their growth together.
The upper part of the combined plant is called the
scion while the lower part is called the rootstock.

________________ 3. The process of creating new plants from variety of

sources: seeds, cutting, bulb and other plant parts.

________________ 4. It is the vegetative method of plant propagation and

can be defined as “ an art of insertion of a single
mature bud into the stem of the rootstock in such
way that the union takes place and the
combination continues to grow.

________________ 5. A method of propagating new trees and shrubs from

stems still attached to the parent plant. The stem is
wrapped with damp moss to encourage roots to
form.

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 ANSWER KEY
SELF CHECK 1.5-1

IDENTIFICATION

1. Sexual propagation
2. Grafting
3. Plant propagation
4. Budding
5. Air layering

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 JOB SHEET 1.5-1

JOB SHEET 1.5-1

TITLE: Perform Cleft Grafting

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE:
Given one learning outcome of your competency on your
qualification, you must able to perform cleft grafting in a
fruit tree.

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Sharpener, Grafting Tape, Scion, Rootstock and
Disinfectant

STEPS/PROCEDURES:
1. Prepare tools, equipment and materials for grafting.
2. Before grafting, be sure that you will adjust, sanitize and sharpen
all tools and equipment.
3. Choose your scion and rootstock to be used. Make sure that they
belong to the same family.
4. Before grafting, wear personal protective equipment.
5. Prepare the scion that you will use for grafting. Trim by 1 inch to
1 ½ off the bottom to expose the cambium tissue.
6. Connect the scion to the rootstock; make a cut in the center of the
stem where you will put your scion.
7. Secure the graft by wrapping it with grafting tape; make sure that
the cambium are connected to each other. Put the plastic cover on
the top of the graft .
8. Write the date and the variety on a name tag to keep track of your
progress.
9. Put the grafted tree in a shaded area to prevent from drying.
ASSESSMENT METHOD:
Demonstration using performance criteria checklist

Date Developed: Document No:

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 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA CHECKLIST 1.5-1
PERFORM CLEFT GRAFTING

CRITERIA
YES NO
Did I….
1. Prepare tools, equipment and materials
for grafting?
2. Adjust, sanitize and sharpen all tools and
equipment?
3. Choose appropriate the scion and rootstock?
4. Wear personal protective equipment?
5. Trim the scion into 1 to 1 ½ inches off the
bottom to expose the cambium?
6. Connect the scion to the rootstock?
7. Wrap the grafting tape and secure the
connections of cambium?
8. Write the date and crop’s name in the grafted
plants?
9. Put the grafted plant in the shade area?

Name of Trainees: ________________________________ Date: __________________

Name of Trainer: __________________________________ Date: _______________

Date Developed: Document No:

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 DEFINITION OF TERMS

PROPAGATION is the process of creating new plants from variety of sources:

seeds, cutting, bulb and other plant parts.

SEXUAL PROPAGATION involves the union of the pollen (male) with the egg
(female) to produce a seed.

ASEXUAL PROPAGATION multiplication without passage through the seed

cycle, is the best way to maintain some species, particularly an individual
that best represents that species.

CUTTING PROPAGATION is growing a plant from a stem or root that has

been cut from another plant.

AIR LAYERING is a method of propagating new trees and shrubs from stems
still attached to the parent plant.

GRAFTING is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined

to continue their growth together.

BUDDING is the vegetative method of plant propagation and can be defined as “ an

art of insertion of a single mature bud into the stem of the rootstock in such way
that the union takes place and the combination continues to grow.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) is a multidisciplinary field

concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work (i.e., while
performing duties required by one's occupation).

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 REFERENCES

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Horticulture – Issue 1 –

August 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2010
Extension.umaine.edu-gardening-manual-plant-propagation

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