The female Golden Nematode (Globodera rostochiensis), also known as the Yellow Potato Cyst Nematode, ends her life as a tiny cyst containing 200 - 500 eggs. These cysts are white at first, then change to gold, and finally to brown as they age. Attached to the potato plant's underground stems and roots, they eventually drop off. They may remain in the soil for as long as 8 years and release living larvae each season.