Book excerpt: Volume 8 in the series, appearing in two parts, A and B, deals with the systematics of cyst nematodes of the subfamily Heteroderinae. Cyst nematodes are important pathogens causing extensive damage and significant yield loss to many crops in both temperate and tropical regions. Part A presents summarised information on various aspects of morphology, biology, ecology, pathology, biogeography, control measures and diagnostics of these nematodes. Molecular diagnostic tables and comprehensive tabular and dichotomous keys for species identification, together with descriptions of protocols for extraction, light and electron microscopy studies, and molecular diagnostics are also included. The taxonomic section of part A provides diagnoses for six genera, viz., Globodera, Punctodera, Cactodera, Dolichodera, Betulodera and Paradolichodera, and includes descriptions and morphometrics of 30 valid species. The work is illustrated by 101 drawings and photos. The genus Heterodera is mainly covered in part B, complete descriptions and morphometrics of the 80 known valid species being provided and the species illustrated by 159 line drawings and photos. Identification of the species using morphological and molecular techniques is also covered. Each part includes an extensive bibliography.