NZQA registered unit standard
27708 version 1
Page 1 of 4
Title
Demonstrate knowledge of sexual and asexual plant propagation
Level
2
Credits
6
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: explain the
differences between sexual and asexual plant propagation;
describe the propagation of plants from seed, division, and
cuttings; and outline plant breeder’s rights.
Classification
Horticulture > Nursery Production
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Plant Variety
Rights Act 1987; and its subsequent amendments.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Explain the differences between sexual and asexual plant propagation.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Sexual and asexual propagation are defined.
1.2
Sexual and asexual propagation are compared in terms of their advantages and
disadvantages for plant propagators.
Range
three advantages and three disadvantages for each method.
Outcome 2
Describe the propagation of plants from seed.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Seed sources and the storage of seed to maintain viability are described.
2.2
Conditions required for seed germination are described.
Range
seed treatments, germination requirements, seed viability.
Primary Industry Training Organisation
SSB Code 101558
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27708 version 1
Page 2 of 4
2.3
Seed raising media, containers for seed raising, and soil conditions for fieldsown seed are described.
2.4
Seed sowing in containers and in the field are described.
Range
two methods for each.
2.5
The maintenance of conditions for seed germination and seedling establishment
in containers and in the field is described.
2.6
Two reasons for growing plants from seed are stated.
Outcome 3
Describe the propagation of plants from division.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Common types of divisions are described, and two examples of plants grown by
each method are listed.
Range
crowns, rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, corms, runners.
3.2
Division timing and the selection of suitable parent plant material are described
in general terms.
3.3
The establishment and after care of divided plant material are described.
3.4
Two reasons for growing plants from division are stated.
Outcome 4
Describe the propagation of plants by cuttings.
Evidence requirements
4.1
Common types of cuttings are described, with two examples of plants
propagated by each method.
Range
stem cuttings (hardwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, soft
wood cuttings, leaf cuttings, root cuttings), evergreen and
deciduous.
4.2
The selection of suitable cutting material is described in terms of plant type and
timing.
4.3
The selection of suitable propagation media and containers, and suitable soils
for setting cuttings in the field, are described.
4.4
Suitable environments for cutting propagation are described.
Range
greenhouse or protected environments, in the field.
Primary Industry Training Organisation
SSB Code 101558
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27708 version 1
Page 3 of 4
4.5
The care of cuttings until rooted is described.
4.6
Two reasons for propagating plants from cuttings are stated.
Outcome 5
Outline plant breeder’s rights.
Evidence requirements
5.1
The forms of protection available and the rights of plant breeders and licensed
growers are outlined in general terms.
Range
may include - Plant Variety Rights, trademarks, copyright, patents.
Replacement information
This unit standard and unit standard 27707 replaced unit
standard 20556.
Planned review date
31 December 2017
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
19 April 2012
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0032
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Primary Industry Training Organisation
SSB Code 101558
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27708 version 1
Page 4 of 4
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation standards@primaryito.ac.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Primary Industry Training Organisation
SSB Code 101558
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016