The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance reaction of Avena spp. after inoculation of different concentrations of eggs and juveniles of M. javanica and M. incognita. Ten oat genotypes (Avena sativa: UPFPS Farroupilha, UPFA Ouro, IPR Afrodite, AF1345 Ucraniana; A. strigosa: Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio, Embrapa 139, Iapar 61 Ibiporã, UPFA 21 Moreninha, AF 12202) were evaluated in bioassays for resistance against the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita. Susceptible (Solanum lycopersicum and Glycine max) and resistant (Crotalaria spectabilis) species were used as control treatments. Depending on the inoculum level, the oats showed a different response to nematodes. All genotypes of oats were resistant to M. javanica when a high inoculum level (5,000 eggs and J2 per plant) was used but under low inoculum level (1,500 eggs and J2 per plant), AF 12202, Iapar 61 Ibiporã, Agro Esteio and Agro Quaraí were susceptible. All genotypes of oats were resistant to the inoculation of 2,900 eggs and J2 of M. incognita, except for ‘Iapar 61’ that showed susceptibility in this concentration. At lower inoculum level (1,500 eggs and J2) Agro Quaraí, Agro Esteio and Iapar 61 Ibiporã were susceptible. The reaction of oats to M. javanica and M. incognita depends on the inoculum level. The resistance reaction at low inoculum density of A. sativa ‘AF 1345 Ucraniana’ and ‘IPR Afrodite’ allows its use in breeding programs in oats and suggests the possibility of management tool in areas infested with both root-knot nematode species.