The present invention relates to nematode-regulated promoter and polypeptide-encoding nucleotide sequences and their use in creating or enhancing nematode-resistance in plants. Nucleic acid molecules comprising a nematode-resistance sequence operably linked to a nematode-regulated promoter and vectors, plant cells, plants, and transformed seeds containing such constructs are provided. Methods for the use of such constructs in repressing or inducing expression of a nematode-resistance sequence in a plant are also provided. In addition, methods are provided for conferring or improving nematode resistance in plants by repression or induction of nematode-resistance sequences.