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: 

Manipulate plants 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116203  Manipulate plants 
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 1  NQF Level 01  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
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 using pre-determined methods and techniques under close supervision. This is an entry-level Unit Standard and provides a foundation for learners who are engaged in crop production where plants are grown using trellises and other guiding structures.

Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in 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 show competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 1: Select, use and care for hand tools, basic equipment and infrastructure
  • NQF 1: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure and function of a plant in relation to its environment.
  • NQF 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concept of sustainable farming systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    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 
    Use tools and / or equipment for a pre-determined manipulation method in the correct way. 
    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, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct tools for the manipulation method are selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct manipulation method is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct stage of plant growth for the crop and the selected manipulation method is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The manipulation method is executed correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment is used safely and in such a way to prevent damage to tools and the plant material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Tools or material are used appropriately to pre-determined manipulation method. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Develop frameworks 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/or Façade system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The trellis is applied by taking into account the height of the stem, the spacing of bearers, shoots and spindles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The plant framework is developed appropriate for the identified trellising system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The growing points and bearing unites are manipulated according to the identified trellising method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The plant is shaped to determine the position of bearing units according to the identified cultivation practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand 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, preparation, and chemical and physical quality improvement methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fruit and flower manipulation principles are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct spray chemicals for flower/fruit manipulation are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Physical manipulation on the fruit and flowers of an identified crop is carried out correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Physical manipulation may include, but is not limited to, thinning, shouldering, brushing, and shortening.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply correct simple pruning principles appropriate to the crop. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pruning may include, but is not limited to, summer and winter pruning, and canopy management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Elementary pruning principles are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate pruning method for a specified crop is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Unwanted growth is removed according to the pre-determined manipulation method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unwanted growth includes, but is not limited to shoots, branches, stems, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pruning actions are executed correctly. 


    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 tools and materials used in plant manipulation.
  • The use of elementary trellising methods.
  • The use of elementary fruit and flower manipulation methods.
  • The purpose of developing knowledge in the field of plant manipulation.
  • The principles of pruning.
  • The elementary guidelines applied in plant manipulation.
  • Safe handling procedures of tools and material.
  • The Occupational, Health and Safety Act.
  • Maintaining hygienic procedures of tools and material as to prevent spreading of diseases.
  • Elementary plant physiology and anatomy are relevant to pruning and 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 specific outcomes:
  • Develop frameworks as part of plant manipulation methods.
  • Understand flower and fruit manipulation principles.
  • Apply correct simple pruning principles appropriate to the crop. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork: relates to specific outcomes:
  • Develop frameworks as part of plant manipulation methods.
  • Understand flower and fruit manipulation principles.
  • Apply correct simple pruning principles appropriate to the crop. 
    		•

    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:
  • Develop frameworks as part of plant manipulation methods.
  • Understand flower and fruit manipulation principles.
  • Apply correct simple pruning principles appropriate to the crop. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness: relates to specific outcomes:
  • Develop frameworks as part of plant manipulation methods.
  • Understand flower and fruit manipulation principles.
  • Apply correct simple pruning principles appropriate to the crop. 
    		•

    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  48971   National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  48972   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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. Agri Learn 
    2. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Biofuels Business Incubators NPC 
    4. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    5. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    6. Deloitte 
    7. DEW CRISP PTY LTD 
    8. Dihwai Food Cultural and Agricultural Services 
    9. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    10. Escay Catering and other Services 
    11. Farm for Africa Training and Development 
    12. Food and Trees for Africa 
    13. Fort Cox Agricultural College 
    14. GA Community Care Consultants 
    15. Goldfields FET College 
    16. Heedmorine Training 
    17. Hortiserve 
    18. Ikhwezi Drakensburg Rural & Urban Development Chamber 
    19. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    20. Interstate Clearing 092 (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    22. Kimbali Holdings 
    23. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    24. Koue Bokkeveld Training Centre 
    25. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    26. Longmore Training and Developen 
    27. Lovedale TVET College 
    28. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    29. Maishamalema Development Training 
    30. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    31. Marang Women in Agric and Development 
    32. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    33. Matlharini Multi Centre Skills 
    34. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    35. Medu Skills Consultants 
    36. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    37. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    38. Montshepetsa Bosui Farming & Training Cnt 
    39. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    40. Mpontshe Training 
    41. Mthashana FET College - Vryheid Campus 
    42. Mvelo Consultant 
    43. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    44. Ngobane 63 Trading and Logistics 
    45. Ngwato Wa Mphela Agriculture Training Services 
    46. Nkalebetja Agricultural Projects and Management services 
    47. Nophelo Training Centre 
    48. Novi General Services 
    49. Owen Sithole College of Agriculture 
    50. P N K Management Services 
    51. Phepha Consulting Services 
    52. Phill Skills and Development Institute 
    53. Progressive Environmental Projects 
    54. Retsogile Education and Training 
    55. Rustic Living Trading 155 (Pty) Ltd 
    56. SBJ Shadikamang Agriculture 
    57. Scientific Roots (Pty) Ltd 
    58. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    59. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    60. Setlakala Business Development 
    61. Seza Bantu Rural Agricultural Projects 
    62. Sioma Training and Enterprise Developement 
    63. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    64. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    65. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    66. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    68. Thutong Learning College 
    69. Tinotsile Training and Development 
    70. Tlatlana Events Solution and Communication 
    71. TM Mashwara and Projects 
    72. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    73. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    74. Tripple R Training Provider 
    75. Tshenkeng's Consulting 
    76. Umfolozi FET College 
    77. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    78. Voyano Project Management 
    79. Westco Agri Training 
    80. Working Decisions Cc 
    81. Yazini Leadership Consultants 


    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.