These nematode species are generally considered to be among the 10 most important plant pathogens in the world and are responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in crop losses annually. Recent survey data show populations of this nematode are widespread throughout the Cotton Belt. More than 75 percent of the cotton fields in some areas are infested. Meloidogyne incognita was the only root-knot nematode found in Missouri. The simple life cycle has four juvenile stages in addition to egg-laying adult female.
Egg production occurs without sexual cross-fertilization of eggs.
Even though adult males may be present, they are not required for reproduction. The number of days required for this nematode to complete its life cycle depends on soil temperature. F. However, little or no development occurs at soil temperatures below 50 degrees or over 100 degrees. After the second-stage juvenile hatches from the egg, it migrates through the soil in search of a cotton root. It usually enters a root near the tip and begins feeding.