The root-knot nematode (rkn) is an economically important pest in tobacco. Among the effective control measures is the use of resistant cultivars. While the breeding programme at the Tobacco Research Board, Zimbabwe, since 1954 has been aimed at producing resistant cultivars, the abundance of effective fumigant nematicides resulted in this option not being fully utilised by growers. However, the recent phasing-out of fumigant nematicides and the reduction in long-term rotation options due to reduced hectarages has brought to the fore the need for resistant cultivars as a rkn management tool. The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the performance of rkn-resistant cultivars when grown with no nematicides and to determine the critical rkn threshold required to cause significant yield losses for each cultivar. Four popular open-release cultivars, KRK26, KRK29, KRK64, KRK66 and two limited-release cultivars, T71 and T72 were used in this study. Field trials, set-up in a randomised complete block design and replicated three times were conducted over three seasons in lands with high rkn populations. Soil samples were collected from each of the plots from 3-14 weeks after planting and greenhouse bioassays conducted using a susceptible tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cultivar Rodade). To determine the critical threshold required to cause yield loss, plants were inoculated with populations of 0, 2500, 5000 and 10 000 eggs/plant and root galling and yield assessments conducted until 16 weeks after planting. The varieties showed high levels of resistance with KRK64 and T72 having the lowest mean gall-ratings among the tested cultivars and less infective juveniles in the roots. KRK66 displayed a compensatory effect, by attaining higher yields despite root galling. Used in combination with good rotations and recommended cultural control practices, resistant varieties remain the most promising control option for root-knot nematodes in tobacco in Zimbabwe.