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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Alternate Host and Collateral Host?

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The main difference between an alternate host and a collateral host lies in their relation to the main host and the parasite's life cycle.

  • Alternate host: This host belongs to a family different from the main host's family. It helps the parasite survive by allowing the completion of its life cycle. An example of an alternate host is Puccinia graminis tritici, which causes stem rust of wheat.
  • Collateral host: This host belongs to the same family as the main host. It helps the parasite survive during the offseasons of the main host. An example of a collateral host is Alternaria solani and A. brassicicola, which mostly attack members of the Solanaceae and Brassicaceae families, respectively.

Both alternate and collateral hosts are important in the survival of the parasite during unfavorable seasons and play a role in the eradication of the parasite through biological control.

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  • What is the Difference Between Alternate Host and Collateral Host?
  • Comparative Table: Alternate Host vs Collateral Host

    • Comparative Table: Alternate Host vs Collateral Host

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between alternate hosts and collateral hosts:

    Feature Alternate Host Collateral Host
    Family Belongs to a different family from the main host Belongs to the same family as the main host
    Role Helps complete the pathogen's life cycle Aids the survival of the parasite during off-seasons of the main host
    Importance Important in the completion of the parasite's life cycle Important in the survival of the parasite during unfavorable seasons
    Example Puccinia graminis tritici, which causes stem rust of wheat Fungal pathogens such as Alternaria solani and A. brassicicola, which attack members of the Solanaceae and Brassicaceae families, respectively

    Both alternate and collateral hosts are crucial for the survival and completion of the parasite's life cycle. They also play a role in the eradication of the parasite through biological control methods.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.