What is the Difference Between Autoecious Rust and Heteroecious Rust?

The main difference between autoecious rust and heteroecious rust lies in the number of host species they require to complete their life cycle. Both autoecious and heteroecious rust are plant diseases caused by parasitic fungi belonging to the order Pucciniales. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Autoecious Rust: These rust fungi complete their entire life cycle on a single species of host, called the primary host. They are non-host alternating and do not require multiple hosts to complete their life cycle. Examples of autoecious rust include hollyhock rust, pine-pine gall rust, and geranium rust.
• Heteroecious Rust: These rust fungi require two or more host species to complete their life cycle. They alternate between primary and alternate hosts. Examples of heteroecious rust include cedar-apple rust, ash rust, and fuchsia rust.

In summary, the key difference between autoecious rust and heteroecious rust is that autoecious rust colonizes a single host species to complete its life cycle, while heteroecious rust requires multiple host species to complete its life cycle.

Comparative Table: Autoecious Rust vs Heteroecious Rust

The main difference between autoecious and heteroecious rust is the number of host species needed to complete their life cycle. Here is a table comparing the two types of rust:

In summary, autoecious rust completes its life cycle on a single host species, while heteroecious rust requires multiple host species to complete its life cycle.