Isozymes (Esterases, MDH, SOD, GOT) and perineal patterns were studied in 29 isolates of Meloidogyne spp. collected on coffee (Coffea arabica) plantations in four Central American countries and on one isolate collected in Brazil. Five species were clearly diagnosed and six new multi-enzyme phenotypes were also revealed corresponding to within-species diversity or possible new species. Meloidogyne exigua was found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras, M. arenaria in E1 Salvador and M. incognita ('M1a' esterase phenotype) in Brazil. Meloidogyne arabicida was found in Costa Rica and has a new esterase phenotype, 'M1F1b'. Nematodes with the 'F1' esterase phenotype were found in Guatemala and their specific status is discussed. Two isolates from E1 Salvador displayed unknown esterase phenotypes ('M1F1a' and 'Sa4'). One isolate from northern Guatemala was clearly identified as Meloidogyne hapla and another from the same area was related to M. enterolobii or M. mayaguensis. Neither of these latter isolates was able to develop in coffee roots under our growing conditions. The diversity of root-knot nematodes parasitising coffee roots in this region is discussed.