PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II

The PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II Qualification consists of competencies that a person must achieve in implementing pest management activities in both backyard and commercial vegetable farms. Specifically, it involves carrying out competencies in pest management in relation to the growing of vegetables specifically solinaceous crops such as tomato, pepper and eggplant, and crucifers such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Chinese cabbage.

The qualification involves a certain level of decision-making on pest management strategies in line with the integrated pest management (IPM) framework.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map for pest management for vegetables.

A student who has achieved this Course in PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II is competent to be:

• Pest-Management/Pest-Control Technician

TRAINING STANDARDS

These guidelines are set to provide the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers with information and other important requirements to consider when designing training programs for PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II.

PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES)
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 312 Hours

The PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II consists of competencies that a person must achieve in vegetable pest management in both backyard and commercial farms.

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to gain entry into this course should possess the following requirements:

• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing; and
• Physically fit and mentally healthy as certified by a Public Health Officer.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, Elective and Core Competencies.

To obtain this course, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (280 Hours)
AGR321320	Conduct field assessment
AGR321321	Apply bio-control measures
AGR321322	Apply cultural management strategies
AGR321323	Apply physical control measures
AGR321324	Apply chemical control measures
AGR321325	Monitor results of pest management activities and provide feedback
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (14 Hours)
AGR321201	Apply safety measures in farm operations
AGR321202	Use farm tools and equipment
AGR321203	Perform estimation and basic calculation
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (18 Hours)
500311105	Participate in workplace communication
500311106	Work in a team environment
500311107	Practice career professionalism
500311108	Practice occupational health and safety procedures

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in PEST MANAGEMENT (VEGETABLES) NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: CONDUCT FIELD ASSESSMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR321320

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes required for performing field-assessment activities. It involves assessment of the area, identification of pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, collecting data related to natural enemy populations and pest infestations and maintaining records and providing feedback.

1. Assess the area
   • Field is visited for assessment according to farm work procedures
   • Plant appearance and growth are observed for possible presence of pests and their natural enemies, other beneficial organisms and nutritional disorders according to farm work procedures
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable preventive measures are implemented according to farm work procedures
   • Environment and other relevant information with regard to assessment activities are noted following standard procedures
2. Identify pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms
   • Pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms are identified and recorded in field notes according to farm work procedures
   • The supervisor or the pest specialist is consulted as required to validate the identity of pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms in line with farm work procedures
3. Collect data related to natural enemy populations and pest infestations
   • Information on the identified natural enemies’ density as well as degree of pest infestation and severity of pest damage are gathered according to farm work procedures
   • Data on the environment and other relevant information are collected in accordance with farm work procedures
   • Levels of infestation/severity tolerated by the client, market or environment are determined in line with integrated pest management plan
   • Professional advice is obtained as required according to enterprise guidelines
4. Maintain records and provide feedback
   • Records are completed and updated in line with workplace procedures
   • Results of assessment activities are discussed with the supervisor following standard procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: APPLY BIO-CONTROL MEASURES
UNIT CODE : AGR321321

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to apply bio-control measures for pests as a primary IPM strategy. It includes identifying the target pests and their natural enemies and other beneficial organisms, selecting bio-control activities and preparing for the application, implementing the control activities and checking the performance of the said control activities.

1. Identify target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms
   • Pests, which warrant action, and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms are identified according to general classification / life cycle and behavior / signs and symptoms and stage of plant growth
   • The supervisor, or the pest specialist, is consulted as required to validate data on target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms according to farm work procedures
   • Requirement for available bio-control measures are assessed in line with the IPM strategy
2. Select bio-control activities and prepare for the application
   • Bio-control measures are selected according to target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, availability and appropriateness to prevailing pest density, level of severity/infestation, the environment and other relevant information in accordance with farm work procedures
   • All necessary supplies and materials, and tools, machinery , equipment and facilities are prepared according to farm work procedures
   • Suitable PPE is selected according to OHS requirements
3. Implement control activities
   • Appropriate bio-control measures are implemented in line with farm work procedures
   • Tools, machinery and equipment, facilities and PPE are used in accordance with OHS requirements
4. Check performance of control activities
   • Management options implemented are recorded and monitored in line with farm work procedures
   • Supplemental and remedial actions are undertaken, as necessary, according to work instructions
   • Records are maintained according to standard procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: APPLY CULTURAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
UNIT CODE : AGR321322

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitude required to apply cultural management strategies for pests, in line with the IPM strategy. It includes identifying the target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, selecting the cultural management strategies and preparing for their implementation, implementing the control activities and checking the performance of the control activities.

1. Identify target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms
   • Pests, which warrant action, and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms are identified according to general classification / life cycle and behavior / signs and symptoms and stage of plant growth
   • The supervisor, or the pest specialist, is consulted as required to validate identification of target pests according to farm work procedures
   • Requirement for cultural management strategies are assessed in line with the IPM strategy
2. Select cultural management strategies and prepare for implementation
   • Cultural management strategies are selected according to target pest and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, availability and appropriateness to prevailing pest density, level of severity/infestation, the environment and other relevant information in accordance with farm work procedures
   • All necessary supplies and materials, and tools, machinery and equipment are prepared according to farm work procedures
   • Suitable personal protective equipment is selected according to OHS requirements
3. Implement control activities
   • Appropriate cultural management strategies are implemented in line with farm work procedures
   • Tools, machinery and equipment, as well as PPE are used in accordance with OHS requirements
4. Check performance of control activities
   • Control activities are recorded and monitored in line with farm work procedures
   • Supplemental and remedial actions are undertaken, if necessary, according to work instructions
   •  Records are maintained according to standard procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: APPLY PHYSICAL-CONTROL MEASURES
UNIT CODE : AGR321323

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitude required to apply physical-control measures for pests, in line with the IPM strategy. It includes identifying the target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, selecting the physical control activities and preparing for their implementation, implementing the control activities and checking the performance of the control activities.

1. Identify target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms
   • Pests, which warrant action, and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms are identified according to general classification / life cycle and behavior / signs and symptoms and stage of plant growth
   • The supervisor, or the pest specialist, is consulted as required to validate identification of target pests according to farm work procedures
   • Requirement for physical control measures is assessed in line with the IPM strategy
2. Select physical control measures and prepare for implementation
   • Physical control measures are selected according to target pest and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, availability and appropriateness to prevailing pest density, level of severity/infestation, the environment and other relevant information in accordance with farm work procedures
   • All necessary supplies and materials, and tools, machinery and equipment are prepared according to farm work procedures
   • Suitable personal protective equipment is selected according to OHS requirements
3. Implement control activities
   • Appropriate physical control measures are implemented in line with farm work procedures
   • Tools, machinery and equipment, as well as PPE are used in accordance with OHS
     requirements
4. Check performance of control activities
   • Control activities are recorded and monitored in line with farm work procedures
   • Supplemental and remedial actions are undertaken, if necessary, according to work instructions
   • Records are maintained according to standard procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: APPLY CHEMICAL CONTROL MEASURES
UNIT CODE : AGR321324

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitude required when one decides to apply chemical control measures, after thorough consideration of non-chemical alternatives within the integrated pest management strategy. It involves identification of the target pest and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms, selecting the appropriate pesticide, preparing for its safe application, actual application, cleaning up after, and record keeping.

1. Identify target pests and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms
   • Pests, which warrant action, and their natural enemies, and other beneficial organisms are identified according to general classification / life cycle and behavior / signs and symptoms and stage of plant growth
   • The supervisor, or the pest specialist, is consulted as required to validate identification of target pests and their natural enemies according to farm work procedures
   • Requirement for pesticide use is assessed as an option after consideration of non-chemical alternatives within the IPM strategy
2. Select appropriate pesticide
   • Appropriate pesticide(s) is(are) selected based on target pest, pest and natural enemy density, level of severity/infestation, environment and other relevant information in accordance with farm work procedures
   • Labels are checked according to requirements and specifications
   • Pesticide to be used is in accordance with legislations and regulations
   • OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed, controls implemented and reported to the supervisor according to farm work procedures
3. Prepare for the application of appropriate pesticide
   • Suitable personal protective equipment is selected according to product label and safety requirements
   • Suitable application equipment and tools are selected according to farm work procedures
   • Pre-operational and safety checks on application equipment and tools are carried out, and calibrations and adjustments made, according to manufacturers’ specifications and farm work procedures
   • Pesticide mixing rates are defined and calculated according to requirements and specifications
   • Pesticides are mixed according to directions, standards and legislative requirements
4. Apply appropriate pesticide
   • Meteorological conditions and forecasts are assessed prior to and during application according to farm work procedures
   • Specific products are applied in accordance with prescribed timing, rate and method according to farm work procedures and product labels/directions, with due consideration of the environmental implications
   • Appropriate PPE are used according to farm work procedures and product labels/directions
5. Clean up following application
   • Application equipment and tools are cleaned and stored according to farm work procedures
   • Unused chemicals are stored or disposed of according to storage temperature requirements, standard procedures and label directions
   • Used containers are disposed of properly according to prescribed procedures
   • Site is cleaned according to directions and standards
   • Chemical spills are handled according to standard procedures
   • Personal safety is observed according to prescribed procedures
6. Check and record performance of control activities
   • Product applications are recorded according to farm work procedures
   • Supplemental and remedial actions are undertaken, if necessary, according to work instructions
   • Observable adverse effects to natural enemies, humans, farm animals and the environment are recorded according to farm work procedures
   • Records are maintained as required by legislation and enterprise guidelines
7. Transport, handle and store chemicals
   • Chemicals are transported or carried to and from the farm building using specified container/equipment and materials
   • Unused chemicals are properly stored using first in first out system

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: MONITOR RESULTS OF PEST-MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK
UNIT CODE : AGR321325

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required for monitoring the results of control activities and providing feedback. It involves checking and recording the performance of control activities and addressing the performance of control activities.

1. Check and record performance of control activities
   • Targeted plant response to pest management activities, as well as any non-targeted effects such as environmental impact or pest responses, is regularly monitored and recorded, according to work instructions, OHS requirements and protocols and standards
   • Progress report is prepared and submitted to supervisor as required, according to farm work procedures
2. Address performance of control activities
   • Any gap or deviation from expected results of control activities is reported to supervisor according to standard procedures
   • Adjustments to control measures are implemented, where necessary, according to work instructions
   • Records are kept and updated regularly according to farm work procedures

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : APPLY SAFETY MEASURES IN FARM OPERATIONS
UNIT CODE : AGR321201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform safety measures effectively and efficiently. It includes identifying areas, tools, materials, time and place in performing safety measures.

1. Determine areas of concern for safety measures
   • Work tasks are identified in line with farm operations
   • Place for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
   • Time for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
   • Appropriate tools, materials and outfits are prepared in line with job requirements
2. Apply appropriate safety measures
   • Tools and materials are used according to specifications and procedures
   • Outfits are worn according to farm requirements
   • Effectivity/shelf life/expiration of materials are strictly observed
   • Emergency procedures are known and followed to ensure a safe work requirement
   • Hazards in the workplace are identified and reported in line with farm guidelines
3. Safe keep/dispose tools, materials and outfit
   • Used tools and outfit are cleaned after use and stored in designated areas
   • Unused materials are properly labeled and stored according to manufacturers recommendation and farm requirements
   • Waste materials are disposed according to manufacturers, government and farm requirements

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : USE FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : AGR321202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to use farm tools and equipment. It includes selection, operation and preventive maintenance of farm tools and equipment.

1. Select and use farm tools
   • Appropriate farm tools are identified according to requirement / use
   • Farm tools are checked for faults and defective tools reported in accordance with farm procedures
   • Appropriate tools are safely used according to job requirements and manufacturers conditions
2. Select and operate farm equipment
   • Identify appropriate farm equipment
   • Instructional manual of the farm tools and equipment are carefully read prior to operation
   • Pre-operation checkup is conducted in line with manufacturers manual
   • Faults in farm equipment are identified and reported in line with farm procedures
   • Farm equipment used according to its function
   • Safety procedures are followed.
3. Perform preventive maintenance
   • Tools and equipment are cleaned immediately after use in line with farm procedures
   • Routine check-up and maintenance are performed
   • Tools and equipment are stored in designated areas in line with farm procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM ESTIMATION AND BASIC CALCULATION
UNIT CODE : AFF321203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform basic workplace calculations.

1. Perform estimation
   • Job requirements are identified from written or oral communications
   • Quantities of materials and resources required to complete a work task are estimated
   • The time needed to complete a work activity is estimated
   • Accurate estimate for work completion are made
   • Estimate of materials and resources are reported to appropriate person
2. Perform basic workplace calculation
   • System and units of measurement to be followed are ascertained
   • Calculation needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic mathematical operation
   • Calculate whole fraction, percentage and mixed when are used to complete the instructions
   • Number computed is checked following work requirements

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are at ended on time
   • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra- and interpersonal relationships are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 500311108

This unit covers the outcomes required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and
safety.

1. Identify hazards and risks
   • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
   • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to coworkers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
   • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures.
2. Evaluate hazards and risks
   • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
   • Effects of the hazards are determined
   • OSH issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OSH legislation
3. Control hazards and risks
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently followed
   • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OSH policies
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OSH procedures and practices
   • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
4. Maintain OSH awareness
   • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
   • OSH personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Beneficial organisms – organisms such as parasite, predator, pollinators and volunteer or cultivated plants that out-compete the weeds, insects and other non-vertebrates, and micro organisms that attack the weeds.
• Biological control – the use of living organisms such as parasites, predators, among others, to control pests
• Botanical pesticides – indigenous plants with insecticidal properties that are used to control pests
• Chemical – substance that is used to control pests
• Chemical control – strategy for controlling pests employing the use of pesticides
• Crop rotation – the practice of planting two or more crops in a regular succession such that the crop that is susceptible to a serious pest is replaced with another crop that is not susceptible, on a rotating basis.
• Cultural management strategy – in relation to pest management refers to the modification of the environment to lessen the area’s attractiveness to pests
• Disease – results from the interaction of three factors: a susceptible host, a pathogen (disease causing organism) and a favorable environment. It may be caused by parasitic (e.g. fungi, bacteria, virus, mycoplasma, nematodes, and flowering parasitic plants) and non-parasitic (e.g. lack or excess nutrients, unfavorable soil-weather relations) factors
• Furrowing – the final step in land preparation by making furrows or beds for planting
• Hilling up – the process of covering the applied fertilizer material by raising the soil towards the base of the plant to stabilize its stand for better plant growth
• Insect pest – a destructive or harmful insect Integrated pest management (IPM) – a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks (National IPM Network)
• Intercropping – the practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time
• Irrigation – any method of supplying water to the plant to sustain growth
• Land preparation – process of readying the soil prior to planting to enhance the successful establishment of the crop
• Mulching – the process of covering the soil around the stem of a growing plant with organic materials, plastic or other materials mainly to conserve soil moisture, prevent soil erosion, suppress weed growth, prevent soil-borne diseases
• Natural enemy – a beneficial insect or organism used for the control of insect pests Pest – a living organism that has a damaging effect on plants and animals. It includes insect pests, weeds, diseases, others (e.g. rats, birds, slugs, domestic animals)
• Pest management – strategy of maintaining pest populations below the economic injury level through the use of any control measures that are ecologically, economically and socially acceptable
• Pesticide – any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest
• Physical control – also known as mechanical control, involve the use of barriers, traps, or physical removal to prevent or reduce pest problems.
• Pruning – the removal of diseased or weak parts of plants
• Repellent crops – crops which repel destructive pests
• Resistant variety – crop variety that can resist the adverse effects of pests and unfavorable weather conditions
• Sanitation – keeping the area clean of plants or materials that may harbor pests
• Smudging – burning of plant debris to create a cleansing smoke bath
• Thinning – the removal of undesirable plants
• Tillage – the mechanical manipulation of the soil
• Trap crops – alternate crops planted in an area to attract destructive pests and reduce their impact on the specific crop
• Weed – any undesirable plant
• Wrapping – the practice of putting protective on the produce cover to protect them from being attacked by pests. May include the use of newspapers, plastics, and other materials.