Chile (Capsicum annuum) consumption and production have been integral to New Mexican culture for over four centuries, and the state is the leading producer of chile (non-bell peppers) in the United States. Chile farmers face adverse conditions due to climate change, water scarcity and disease control. One of the most prevalent chile diseases in NM is Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV; Curtovirus). BCTV causes chlorotic curled leaves, stunted growth, abnormal or minimal fruit production, and a potentially substantial yield reduction. BCTV is transmitted by beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus), insects that prefer feeding in areas exposed to full sun. Agrivoltaic systems (AVS), the co-location of solar panels in agricultural fields, increases field shade. Advantages of AVS have been examined, but its potential role as a deterrent for pests remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of AVS shade on chile yields, beat leafhopper abundance, and BCTV incidence. On 16 May 2023 ‘NuMex Odyssey’, a New Mexico pod-type green chile was transplanted into four solar panel plots and a full sun control at the New Mexico State University Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center, Las Cruces, NM. Plots shaded by solar panels had an average of 15% less light radiation compared to the full sun control. Fruit was harvested on 21 Aug 2023 and sorted into marketable green, blossom end-rot affected, and curly top affected fruit. Preliminary results show that marketable green and blossom end-rot affected fruit yields did not differ between solar panel shaded and the full sun control plots. BCTV affected fruit yield was significantly greater in the full sun control, which also had 55% more trapped beet leafhoppers than the solar panel plots. Initial results show potential for AVS as a method to mitigate the adverse effects on chile yield caused by BCTV. In addition to alleviating crop stress, AVS has the potential to deter beet leaf hoppers while generating electricity, a potential extra revenue for the farmer.
