Accurate and detailed information on the fundamental biology of free living and plant-parasitic nematodes has three important functions. Firstly, it is needed to gain an understanding of their highly complex ecology. Secondly, since many plant-parasitic nematodes are major agricultural pests, it also greatly enhances attempts to implement crop protection strategies. Finally, information on physiology and biochemistry will have particular relevance to studies of gene function in nematodes. Written by leading research workers from Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand, this up-to-date reference book reviews and integrates all the current research findings on the physiology and biochemistry of these organisms, including the molecular information which has accumulated in recent years. It is aimed at researchers, advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students and lecturers in plant nematology, parasitology, plant pathology and agricultural zoology and should be a reference source for students of animal physiology, crop protection, zoology and pest management.