Tylenchulus semipenetrans, also known as the citrus nematode or citrus root nematode, is a species of plant pathogenic nematodes and the causal agent of slow decline of citrus. T. semipenetrans is found in most citrus production areas and diverse soil textures worldwide. Their feeding strategy is semi-endoparasitic and has a very narrow host range among commonly grown crops. These nematodes are considered as major plant-parasitic nematode because they can cause 10-30% losses reported on citrus trees. They also parasitize other hosts such as olive, grape, persimmon and lilac. The citrus nematode was first discovered in California in 1913 by J. R. Hodges, a horticultural inspector for Los Angeles County, and was later described and named by Nathan Cobb that year. T. semipenetrans is the only species of Tylenchulidae that are economically important to agriculture.