The sheath nematodes belonging to the superfamily Hemicycliophoroidea are unique amongst all plant parasitic nematodes known to man due to the presence of an extra cuticular covering or sheath over the inner cuticle and body of all juvenile and adult life stages. These plant-parasitic nematodes include species of agricultural and quarantine importance. In Systematics of the Sheath Nematodes of the Superfamily Hemicycliophoroidea John Chitambar and Sergei Subbotin provide a detailed review of the taxonomy and diagnosis of the superfamily, its member genera and 153 related species based on their morphological and molecular analyses, as well as a further understanding of the relationships within the superfamily using molecular phylogenetics. In addition, Chitambar and Subbotin also give detailed information on the global distribution, biology, host-parasite relationships and ecology of sheath nematodes.

Volume 8 in the series, appearing in two parts, A and B, deals with the systematics of cyst nematodes of the subfamily Heteroderinae. Cyst nematodes are important pathogens causing extensive damage and significant yield loss to many crops in both temperate and tropical regions. Part A presents summarised information on various aspects of morphology, biology, ecology, pathology, biogeography, control measures and diagnostics of these nematodes. Molecular diagnostic tables and comprehensive tabular and dichotomous keys for species identification, together with descriptions of protocols for extraction, light and electron microscopy studies, and molecular diagnostics are also included. The taxonomic section of part A provides diagnoses for six genera, "viz.", "Globodera," "Punctodera," "Cactodera," "Dolichodera," "Betulodera" and "Paradolichodera," and includes descriptions and morphometrics of 30 valid species. The work is illustrated by 101 drawings and photos. The genus "Heterodera" is mainly covered in part B, complete descriptions and morphometrics of the 80 known valid species being provided and the species illustrated by 159 line drawings and photos. Identification of the species using morphological and molecular techniques is also covered. Each part includes an extensive bibliography.

Plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes are increasingly important in relation to food security, quarantine measures, ecology (including pollution studies), and research on host-parasite interactions. Being mostly microscopic, nematodes are challenging organisms for research. Techniques for Work with Plant and Soil Nematodes introduces the basic techniques for laboratory and field work with plant-parasitic and free-living soil-dwelling nematodes. Written by an international team of experts, this book is extensively illustrated, and addresses both fundamental traditional techniques and new methodologies. The book covers areas that have become more widespread over recent years, such as techniques used in diagnostic laboratories, including computerized methods to count and identify nematodes. Information on physiological assays, electron microscopy techniques and basic information on current molecular methodologies and their various applications is also included. This book is an essential resource for students of nematology and parasitology, academic researchers, diagnostic laboratories, and quarantine and advisory service personnel. It provides a much-needed methodology standard for anyone involved in work on plant and soil nematodes.