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BACKGROUND: Potato production faces significant challenges from pests, particularly potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) such as Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida. These nematodes are classified as regulated quarantine pests due to their detrimental effect on potato yields, yet populations continue to persist in the soil despite stringent control measures. PCNs can survive for long periods in the soil and hatch in response to root exudates containing hatching factors. The differences in hatching behavior and susceptibility between G. rostochiensis and G. pallida complicate management strategies, especially as the effectiveness of nematicides and resistant cultivars decline. RESULTS: Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) can exhibit considerable hatching activity, and the hatching stimulatory effects of SGAs was shown to clearly differ between these two nematode species, including differences at gene expression levels. CONCLUSION: Assessment of changes in G. rostochiensis and G. pallida relative hatching-related gene expression in response to SGAs provides further insight into their different responses to hatching stimuli. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.