Within the two potato cyst nematode (PCN) species, Globodera rostochiensis and G.. pallida, eight pathotypes are presently discerned by seven differential Solanum clones, whereby resistance is defined as a Pf/Pi ratio < 1 .0, and susceptibility as a ratio above 1 .0 . This pathotyping is felt to be unsatisfactory . Reconsidering the original data and data published by others resulted in the conclusion that there are only three reliably recognizable Ro-pathotypes Rol/Ro4, Ro2/Ro3 and Ro5 . The differential clones 60 .21 .19 and, 65 .346 .19 differentiate only between the two species . Within G. pallida it does not seem possible to identify pathotypes reliably . The resistance-virulence pattern is of a quantitative nature fitting a polygenic system . There appear to be pathotype-specific, effects, which are not large enough to identify and classify pathotypes reliably . It is therefore suggested to rename the Ro-pathotypes into Rol (old Rol and Ro4), Ro3 (old Ro2 and Ro3) and Ro5 (old Ro5) and to speak of more and less virulent Pa-populations .The rigorous requirements for resistance in various countries present great problems to the breeders and result in the removal of much valuable partial resistance . Especially with G. pallida these rigorous requirements are probably an obstacle rather than an encouragement to solve the pallida problem .