During the last three decades plant-parasitic nematodes have received increasing attention. This was due mainly to the discovery during the years between 1943-1953 of the first efficient nematicides, DD, EDE and DBCP. This discovery gave a strong impetus to established nematology laboratories and led to the establishment of laboratories in previously virgin, or nearly so, territories. As a result, there was an increase in the number of nematologists and taxonomic activity. This is particularly true in those areas new to nematology, because the soil fauna is virtually unknown and taxonomy is one of the few activities fitting with limited material means, that too often is the situation of young laboratories
