One of the main phytonematode control alternatives is the use of antagonistic plants in crop rotation or succession systems. Although java legume shows antagonist potential to control Meloidogyne javanica, its reaction to other nematodes was not investigated so far. Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess the penetration and reproduction factor (RF) of M. incognita, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Pratylenchus brachyurus in java, using soybean as control. Plants individually inoculated with 1000 specimens from each nematode were assessed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after inoculation (DAI) for nematode penetration and development. The RF was assessed under two inoculum levels of each nematode (1000 and 700 specimens) 60 days after inoculation, for M. incognita and R. reniformis; and 80 days after inoculation, for P. brachyurus. Meloidogyne incognita and R. reniformis showed lower penetration and reproduction in java (RF < 1), whereas P. brachyurus showed higher penetration and RF > 1. Thus, the java legume can be considered resistant to M. incognita and R. reniformis, as well as susceptible to P. brachyurus.