The interaction of herbicides and Northern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood) on onions and beans was studied in the greenhouse. Seeds of onions (Allium cepa L.) were planted in soil treated with defferent levels of dimethyl 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA). Seeds of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were planted in soil treated with different levels of DCPA or α, α, α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin). Seedlings were inoculated with root-knot nematode larvae after 2 week's growth. DCPA reduced root and shoot growth on onions but did not significantly affect bean growth. Trifluralin significantly reduced root and shoot growth of beans. Growth reduction was directly related to the concentration of DCPA or trifluralin. Anatomical studies on onion roots indicated that the epidermal cells were seriously affected by DCPA treatment. They were greatly misshapen, overlapped, and in various stages of apparent dissolution or collapse. Symptoms were more severe under higher concentrations. Macroscopic examination of roots treated with DCPA or trifluralin showed soil particles strongly adhered to root tissue. DCPA-treated and non-treated nematode larvae were equally pathogenic on onions. Both DCPA and trifluralin significantly reduced the number of nematode galls formed on beans and onions grown in treated soil.