Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a coolseason food legume second in importance as a pulse crop in the world after beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). It is an important protein source in many regions of the semi-arid tropics (30). Chickpea is grown in 47 countries and is a significant component of subsistence cropping systems for farmers in the Indian Subcontinent, West Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, and certain areas of East and North Africa. More than 90% of the chickpea crops are grown in eight countries, including India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Ethiopia, Mexico, Australia, and Canada, in decreasing order. Many species of plant-parasitic nematodes have been reported in the roots and rhizosphere of chickpea in the major growing regions in the world (Table 1). However, only certain nematode species are considered constraints to chickpea production, causing an estimated 14% in annual yield losses (61,68). The symptoms and signs of nematode parasitism on chickpea differ depending upon the nematode’s feeding habit. Moreover, nematode attacks can make plants more sensitive to other biotic and abiotic stresses, and overall result in stunting and poor yield (70). Symptoms caused by nematode attack are nonspecific and nondescript, and they are largely a consequence of disruption of normal processes of plant growth, and absorption and translocation of water and nutrients. Consequently, damage by nematodes to chickpea often goes unnoticed and is attributed to other causes, such as lack of fertility or deficient soil moisture. For example, even 50% reductions in chickpea yield caused by the chickpea cyst nematode, Heterodera ciceri, cannot be predicted by inspection of the upper part of the plant (35). For these reasons, plantparasitic nematodes are often referred to as the “unseen enemies” of crops. The most important nematode pathogens of chickpea include root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.), cyst-forming nematodes (Heterodera spp.), and the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis). In this paper, we will focus on the geographical distribution and pathogenicity of these nematodes, along with the symptoms, epidemiology, and management of the diseases they cause on chickpea. In addition, we will describe some of the most common and efficient diagnostic methods that are available for nematodes. Finally, we will address the complex interactions that occur between some nematodes and other microorganisms that coinfect chickpea, including rhizobia and the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, which causes Fusarium wilt.