REQUIREMENTS :
Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate. No experience.
DUTIES :
Plant seeds and seedlings for evaluation of new plant varieties in terms of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and Plant Improvement Act. Plant seeds/seedlings in seedling trays/plant bags/ pots in the greenhouse/ field. Group seedling trays according to randomization. Sprays insecticide/ fungicide in the greenhouse.
Apply fertilizers in the field. Plant seeds in identified rows in the field. Re-insert plant markets in the trial field. Label plant markets for trade and post control, seedling trays/field trials. Provide administrative and technical services for Distinctness, Uniformity & Stability (DUS) evaluations. Monitor and provide report of trials. Count numbers of plants per row in trials. Take measurements of plants/plant parts on selected varieties.
Record measurements in the relevant UPOV datasheet. Maintain the filling system. Mark label/ packets, harvest and thrash selected material. Operate irrigation system. Process seed of standard varieties. Retrieve seeds of identified varieties from cold store. Weigh seed and divide seed into seed packets.
Label seed packets (varieties denomination, trial number, row number). Randomize seeds. Distribute seed packets as required (e.g. for cold room, greenhouse, field trials). Assist with general maintenance of the farm. Routine activities in respect of crop production. Cleaning of buildings and stores. Maintenance of irrigation systems. Maintenance of farmyard.