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Summary Cyst and root‐knot nematodes are obligate parasites of economic importance with a remarkable ability to reprogram root cells into unique metabolically active feeding sites. Previous studies have suggested a role for cytokinin in feeding site formation induced by these two types of nematodes, but the mechanistic details have not yet been described. Using Arabidopsis as a host plant species, we conducted a comparative analysis of cytokinin genes in response to the beet cyst nematode (
BCN ),Heterodera schachtii , and the root‐knot nematode (RKN ),Meloidogyne incognita . We identified distinct differences in the expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, catabolism and signaling genes in response to infection byBCN andRKN , suggesting differential manipulation of the cytokinin pathway by these two nematode species. Furthermore, we evaluated Arabidopsis histidine kinase receptor mutant linesahk2/3 ,ahk2/4 andahk3/4 in response toRKN infection. Similar to our previous studies withBCN , these lines were significantly less susceptible toRKN without compromising nematode penetration, suggesting a requirement of cytokinin signaling inRKN feeding site formation. Moreover, an analysis ofahk double mutants usingCycB1;1: /GUS ahk introgressed lines revealed contrasting differences in the cytokinin receptors mediating cell cycle activation in feeding sites induced byBCN andRKN .