Since yellow Leaf Syndrome has been reported in Brazil in the early 1990s, it has become increasingly important worldwide. The disease has now been identified in many countries, and most recently Guadeloupe and Barbados. The characteristic symptom is the yellowing of the midrib on the lower surface of the lamina. The relationship between the causal organism and the disease is not well established but there is very strong evidence that a luteovirus is associated with disease. The disease is transmitted through diseased cuttings, and under controlled conditions it has been found that some aphids can transmit the disease. Surveys conducted in 1997 showed that 4% of 456 varieties in Guadeloupe showed symptoms and 16% of 1213 varieties showed symptoms is Barbados. In Barbados there was an increase in the number of varieties showing symptoms from 1996 to 1997 and first ratoon fields showed more symptoms than plant cane fields. Only 15% of the breeding population at the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station in Barbados showed any symptoms. As most commercial varieties are resistant, (64%) the disease may not cause a major yield loss in the region. With the use of more resistant varieties and good husbandry, the disease importance should decrease.