| Root-knot nematode | |
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_penetrates_a_tomato_root_-_USDA-ARS.jpg)
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| Larva of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, magnified 500×, shown here penetrating a tomato root | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Nematoda |
| Class: | Secernentea |
| Order: | Tylenchida |
| Family: | Heteroderidae |
| Genus: | Meloidogyne Göldi, 1892 |
| Species | |
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See text | |
Root-knot nematodes are plant-parasitic nematodes from the genus Meloidogyne. They exist in soil in areas with hot climates or short winters. About 2000 plants worldwide are susceptible to infection by root-knot nematodes and they cause approximately 5% of global crop loss.[1] Root-knot nematode larvae infect plant roots, causing the development of root-knot galls that drain the plant's photosynthate and nutrients. Infection of young plants may be lethal, while infection of mature plants causes decreased yield.
- ^ Sasser JN, Carter CC: Overview of the International Meloidogyne Project 1975–1984. In An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Edited by: Sasser JN, Carter CC. Raleigh: North Carolina State University Graphics; 1985:19–24.