Meloidogyne minor, M. hapla, M. fallax, and M. chitwoodi, was examined in vitro at 4, 10 and

20 o C for different period of time (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks) in the absence of a host plant. There were significant differences among species in the survival at different temperatures, and with the duration of survival. Survival of M. hapla was the highest at 10 o C and very low at 4 and 20 o C. At all temperatures, a similar pattern of survival was observed for M. minor. Meloidogne chitwoodi and M. fallax survived longer period of time at 4 and 10 o C than 20 o C. Survival of all species was negatively correlated with temperature and time. The lipid content of the 6 and 12 week old J2 of M. fallax and M. chitwoodi at 4, 10 and 20 o C was compared with that of the freshly hatched J2 by staining with Oil Red O. For both the species, lipid content was the lowest at 20 o C in 6 and 12 week old J2. Depletion of lipid was faster in the first 6 weeks but slowed down later, and progressed from the anterior to the posterior of the body. Survival was positively correlated with the lipid content.