(1) The embryo must be alive, called seed viability.

The species has low seed viability; therefore it is beneficial to raise the plant from cuttings.

The Dutch elm breeding programme revealed that the tree has a relatively high degree (39% seed viability) of self-fertility.

Fungal infection of female cones severely reduces seed viability, reducing already inherently low recruitment.

The fungal pathogen, Fusarium, is known to infect wild chilies which reduces seed viability.

Extreme temperatures have little effect on seed viability.

However, as seed viability can vary greatly from year to year, softwood cuttings taken in June may be a more reliable method.

Its seed viability usually lasts no more than six months.

Low seed viability and the recalcitrant nature of oil seeds also limit seed propagation.

In 2003, Kevin Collins reported that "early trials have proven good seed viability and rapid young seedling development".