The technology company Biobayex is promoting a system that makes it easier to develop better varieties of vegetables at lower cost. The model is based on the application of Bayesian networks, which help geneticists to improve plants. A geneticist decides what the market may want, and determines the influence of the different genetic components in a plant. However, sometimes it’s necessary to conduct a higher number of tests in order to achieve the ideal type of vegetable. “This implies a higher cost, which could be minimized by the system of Bayesian networks”, states the company.
Bayesian networks consist of using probability in a field where there is excess information when it comes to decision making, through a cause-effect formula. With this system, Biobayex seeks to achieve plant varieties that can make better use of cultivation conditions, and which better correspond to consumer preferences.
The goal of this system is to seek new varieties of vegetables that are hardier and have different tastes, by crossing seeds that have certain traits. One of the companies pertaining to the group is specialized in seeds (Almería Seeds Research and Development). For this reason, it can offer interested companies or R&D groups all the processes involved in horticultural experimentation: consulting, mathematical engineering, statistics and bioinformatics.
The company, based in Almería, intends to apply these expert smart systems not only to horticulture, but also to other fields such as biology, business, medicine and some areas of social sciences.