Infective second-stage juveniles (J2) penetrate the root and migrate between cells to reach the plant vascular cylinder. The stylet (arrowhead) connected to the esophagus is used to pierce plant cell walls, to release esophageal secretions and to take up nutrients. Each J2 induces the dedifferentiation of five to seven root cells into multinucleate and hypertrophied feeding cells (*). These giant cells supply nutrients to the nematode (N). The nematode becomes sedentary and goes through three molts (J3, J4, adult). Occasionally, males develop and migrate out of the roots. However, it is believed that they play no role in reproduction. The pear-shaped female produces eggs that are released on the root surface. Embryogenesis within the egg is followed by the first molt, generating second-stage juveniles (J2). Scale bars, 50 mum.