Abstract—June yellows (J‐y) of strawberry (Fragaria) is an inheritable condition for which no causal pathogen has been demonstrated. Spectroscopic analysis of intact leaf lamina was applied to strawberry leaves with J‐y. The spectra were analyzed by fourth derivative technique. Differences were found between asymptomatic and affected leaves with respect to chlorophyll‐protein complexes. Affected leaves show spectra consistent with loss of certain chlorophyll‐a‐proteins (Ca). Distinct types of effects are found. In one type Ca684 decreases, in another Ca693 is diminished. Studies of strawberry clone pedigree suggest that Ca684 losses are observed in clones with Howard 17 parentage, and Ca693 losses in clones with Aberdeen parentage. One clone with both Howard 17 and Aberdeen parentage had a spectra consistent with diminished Ca684 and Ca693. The simplest explanation of the data is that J‐y results from several different types of genetic lesions on different Ca. Some viral infection effects on Caspectra are a