Following the growth of a second planting of a perennial species after a previous planting of the same or a closely related species on the same site, there may be a significant decrease in the rate of root and shoot growth. B.M. Savory proposed a term, specific replant disease, to distinguish this condition from soil sickness which affects unrelated plant species. According to our recommendations for the use of disease and disorder terminology, we suggest that the term ‘specific replant disease’ be used when the effect can be attributed to a parasitic organism. When the cause is non-parasitic, ‘specific replant disorder’ should be used. If the cause is not yet known, ‘specific replant effect’ is the appropriate term.