Heteroecious: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

A heteroecious parasite is one that requires at least two hosts. The primary host is the host in which the parasite spends its adult life; the other is the secondary host.

Heteroecious parasites include:

• Gymnosporangium (Juniper-apple rust); the juniper is the primary host and the apple, pear or hawthorn is secondary.
• Cronartium ribicola (White pine blister rust); the primary host are white pines, and currants the secondary.