Abstract: Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are important pathogens that seriously harm agricultural production and negatively affect almost every crop in the world. In China, root-knot nematodes are becoming more and more serious with the expansion of protected cultivation and the continuous increase of crop multiple cropping index. Current management practices are not enough to completely control root-knot nematodes. Chemical nematicides are still the most common short-term management strategy for root knot nematodes. In this review, the recent research progresses of the current occurrence of root-knot nematodes and control agents were summarized, including the main problems in the chemical control and the optimization of chemical agents and application technology. The outlook for the development of chemical control methods against root knot nematodes was envisaged: chemical control of root-knot nematodes should be combined with other management strategies to achieve efficient, safe and sustainable integrated management.