Optimisation and Fitness Modelling of Bio-control in Mushroom Farming using a Markov Network EDA

We explore the application of an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm which uses a Markov Network to the problem of bio-control in mushroom farming. This falls into the category of “bang-bang control ” problems and was previously used as an application for genetic algorithms with modified crossover operators. The EDA yields a small improvement in the solutions that are evolved. Moreover, the probabilistic models constructed closely match identifiable features in the underlying dynamics of the problem. We conclude that this is a useful by-product of the probabilistic modelling which can be further exploited. Categories and Subject Descriptor