A professional who studies nematodes (roundworms) that are plant parasitic, transmit diseases, attack insects, or attack soil, fresh water, or marine nematodes. Responsibilities include:

• Identifies and classifies nematodes and studies structure, behavior, biology, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution.
• Studies reactions of plants to parasitic nematodes and associations with other plant disease agents.
• Develops methods and apparatus for securing representative soil samples containing nematodes, and for isolating, mounting, counting, and identifying specimens.
• Investigates and develops pest management and control measures, such as chemical, hot water and steam treatments, soil fumigation, biological crop rotations, and cultural practices.
• See parasitologist for scientists who specialize in study of nematodes that are parasitic in man or animals.