noun
- a condition in which a parasitic organism (especially a rust fungus) requires two different host plants to complete its life cycle
Usage: biology; mycology; technical
Examples
- Heteroecism in rust fungi means the organism must alternate between a primary host and a secondary host.
- The wheat rust exhibits heteroecism, requiring both wheat and barberry plants to complete its reproductive cycle.
- Understanding heteroecism is essential for plant pathologists studying fungal diseases.
- Heteroecism contrasts with autoecism, where a single host species suffices for the parasite's entire life cycle.