Dioxd launches disruptive CO2 seed treatment technology

The Brazilian startup Dioxd has developed a disruptive technology for seed treatment using carbon dioxide (CO2). This innovative approach is currently available for soybean and bean seeds, with advanced research underway for other crops such as corn and cotton, which are expected to be added to the startup's portfolio later this year.

According to the developer, the CO2 seed treatment technology is "highly efficient and straightforward." In each one-ton seed bag, two devices resembling probes are inserted. One device distributes the gases uniformly among the seeds, while the second monitors temperature, concentration, pressure, and gas distribution within the bag. This process takes 40 minutes.

João Barboza, the founder of Dioxd, explains that the technology alters the seed's respiration process. Oxygen (O2) is expelled, and the seeds are enriched with CO2, reducing their respiration rate and increasing CO2 absorption. "This process preserves some qualitative aspects of the seeds, allowing them to produce more energy during germination, thus realizing the full genetic potential in the field and enhancing plant development," he elaborates.

After CO2 application, seeds can be stored correctly for up to 30 days before planting. "Our technology does not require immediate planting, allowing farmers to plan. They can store seeds in bags for up to a month, retaining their full productive potential," details Barboza.

Initially, Barboza's idea involved placing a subterranean hose near plant roots to release CO2, which improved plant development but was costly to implement. He then shifted the strategy to the seed treatment, yielding surprising results. This success led to the founding of Dioxd, which claimed to be "a unique company in CO2 seed treatment." 

In 2019, the startup received support from the Sociedade Rural do Paraná and was later selected by Cyklo, an accelerator focused on agtech startups. "Within nine months, we validated our product and began commercial operations. With the accelerator's help, we opened an investment round and scaled the business," Barboza recalls.

FIELD RESULTS

According to the developer, field results have been "very satisfactory," with client productivity improving each season. Barboza notes that gains vary due to factors like farm management and climate, but this season, productivity increased by 20% compared to last year. "In 2023, the average harvest was 2.9 bags of 60kg per hectare, and now we are increasing to 3.5 bags per hectare," he highlights.

Dioxd operates on a service provision model, treating up to 400 seed bags per hour. The main advantage for producers is that no investment in equipment is required; they simply hire the service, and Dioxd handles the rest. "We conduct treatments on-site, and the producer receives seeds ready for planting. The investment is minimal compared to the return. Producers invest about half a bag per hectare, and the technology provides a return of at least three bags per hectare," says Barboza.

Dioxd plans to raise more capital and expand its commercial structure to increase market share in Brazil. The company also aims for international growth, holding a patent for its technology. "In South America, we focus on Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Colombia. We also aim to expand to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, mainly targeting corn cultivation," concludes Barboza.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)