The peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria, race 1) is a world-wide pest of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Several moderately resistant genotypes have been identified in the cultivated peanut species. Our objective was to determine the expression of resistance for six of these genotypes. We examined four potential expressions of resistance—(a) fewer second-stage juveniles (J2) penetrate the roots, (b) fewer J2 establish functional feeding sites, (c) slower maturation, and (d) reduced fecundity (eggs per female). Seedlings of the susceptible cultivar Florunner and the resistant genotypes were inoculated with J2 of M. arenaria, and transplanted 3 d later to synchronize nematode development. Penetration was assessed at 3 and 10 d; development at 10 (or 12), 17, 22, and 27 d; and fecundity at 60 d after inoculation. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse or growth chamber. The number of J2 within the roots was similar in resistant and susceptible peanut after 3 d; however, numbers were lower in two of the resistant genotypes than in Florunner after 10 d. A greater percentage of J2 failed to develop in all of the resistant genotypes (72 to 79%) than in Florunner (50%) after 17 d. Of the J2 that did begin to develop, the rate of maturation and fecundity was similar in resistant and susceptible genotypes. A lack of development indicates that the J2 failed to establish a feeding site. Therefore, the primary expression of resistance in the six peanut genotypes appears to be a reduction in the percentage of J2 that establish a functional feeding site. The decline in J2 after infection may be related to the failure to establish a feeding site.