Altisisäntäkasvit

Altisisäntäkasvit, often translated as "alternate host plants" or "bridge hosts," are plants that can support the life cycle of a pathogen or pest when its primary host is unavailable. These plants play a crucial role in the epidemiology and ecology of many diseases and insect infestations. They can serve as a reservoir for pathogens during periods when the main host crop is not present in the field, for example, between growing seasons.

The presence of altisisäntäkasvit can significantly impact the survival and spread of pests and diseases. By providing a continuous source of inoculum or a habitat for the pest, they can lead to earlier and more severe outbreaks in subsequent crops of the primary host. This can make disease and pest management more challenging for farmers. Identifying and managing these alternate hosts is therefore an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Examples of altisisäntäkasvit vary widely depending on the specific pest or pathogen. For instance, certain weeds can act as alternate hosts for fungal pathogens that also infect economically important crops. Similarly, some wild plant species might harbor insect pests that can later migrate to cultivated plants. Control measures might include removing or managing these alternate host plants in the vicinity of agricultural fields to break the disease or pest cycle. Understanding the specific altisisäntäkasvit relevant to a particular agricultural system is key to developing effective control strategies.