Abstract
Diagnosis of nematode damage requires methods for their extraction, handling and detection. The methods take advantage of the size, density and motility of the nematodes to separate them from plant tissue and soil particles by means of sieving, centrifugation and filtration. Different methods allow different applications, such as for diagnosis, determination of infestation levels, monitoring nematode densities and statutory testing for the presence of quarantine nematodes. Besides morphology and morphometrics, molecular techniques are increasingly used for the rapid and accurate identification of nematodes. This chapter provides details on the most common methods, while various modifications to these techniques are mostly determined by local supplies, availability of equipment and operating conditions.