Tecia Solanivora Research Articles

Interaction between Steinernema feltiae SC125 and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato 9236 for control of the Guatemalan potato moth

ABSTRACT The Guatemalan potato moth (Tecia solanivora) is one of the most destructive pests affecting potatoes in Colombia. Our objective was to evaluate the susceptibility of T. solanivora to a combination of entomopathogenic nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi, to study the interactions of these two agents under laboratory conditions. We evaluated the mortality of fourth instar larvae against 200 Infective Juveniles (IJs) per larva of ten strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, and 104–108 conidia per larva of Beauveria bassiana sensu lato Bb9205 and Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato Ma9236. We found that Steinernema feltiae SC125 caused a mortality rate of 98.2% with an LC50 of 33 IJs/larva. M. anisopliae sensu lato Ma9236 achieved a mortality rate of 88.8% with an LC50 of 6.9 × 105 conidia/larva. We selected these strains for the interaction tests. We determined that the interaction test results were statistically additive regardless of any difference in application times of the entomopathogens and despite the observation of signs of infection in the hosts from both the nematode and the fungus. Despite not having found synergistic interactions between the evaluated control agents, these laboratory tests suggest a possible strategy of combining entomopathogenic nematode and fungi for biological management of the guatemalan moth T. solanivora in potato crops.

Ancient Potato Varieties of the Canary Islands: Their History, Diversity and Origin of the Potato in Europe

The journey of the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) from South America to the rest of the world has generated a prolific literature regarding the discovery of this crop, its early consumption and cultivation in the Old World. An important part of that literature concerns the Canary Islands. The islands were the only exception to the Spanish trade monopoly with the New World, which reserved Seville as the only port for imports and exports to the colonies. The first potatoes to arrive from America, both from the Andes and the Chiloé archipelago, passed through the Canary Islands, and it is likely that the islands were initially the place where this crop became acclimatised. The orography, the volcanic soils, the climate and the intermediate photoperiods of the islands contributed to the acclimatisation of potatoes that came from various origins of America. The current biodiversity of potatoes in the Canary Islands includes different cultivars, such as local ones that arrived from South America after the conquest, which have evolved on the islands and are taxonomically classified as Solanum ssp. tuberosum, Solanum ssp. andigena and Solanum chaucha. These potatoes have been preserved by farmers, generation after generation, with between 600 and 800 ha being devoted to their cultivation (mainly on the island of Tenerife), in a traditional way, though with low productivity, often due to high virus pressure. This article traces the history of ancient potatoes in the Canary Islands and investigates in depth the introduction of potatoes in Europe through the Canary Islands. It contributes to describing the cultivated plant genetic resources of the Solanum spp. as well as their current situation and cultivation. It also describes traditional cultivation practices, the importance of the in situ conservation of theses varieties and the threats that affect them such as the Guatemalan potato moth.

Postharvest Biological Control of Guatemalan Potato Moth, Tecia solanivora, by Trichogramma euproctidis and Blattisocius tarsalis

Tecia solanivora (Povolný 1973), is a quarantine pest in Europe. Identified in Guatemala in the 1970s, it spread throughout Central and South America, reaching the Canary Islands in 1999 and mainland Spain in 2015. The pest has caused prohibitive economic losses both in the field and in storage, where losses can reach 100%. In the absence of approved chemical treatments, the use of an egg predatory mite, Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese 1918), and the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault 1911), is being studied for use in storage. Previous laboratory studies have confirmed their potential for use in non-refrigerated stores, typically between 15 and 20 °C. In the present work, we compared the efficacy of both natural enemies under semi-storage conditions. We observed that while both T. euproctidis and B. tarsalis reduced the T. solanivora populations (with an efficacy of 82.95 ± 7.32% and 49.06 ± 2.69%, respectively) and the number of mites per tuber, only B. tarsalis resulted in undamaged tubers (65%). For this reason, the mite was selected and tested in storage conditions, obtaining promising results in the protection of infested tubers, suggesting potential for further investigation, adaptation and standardization of its use in real conditions.

Evaluation and Selection of New Trichogramma spp. as Biological Control Agents of the Guatemalan Potato Moth (Tecia solanivora) in Europe.

The Guatemalan potato moth (Tecia solanivora) is designated a quarantine pest by the European Union, causing severe production losses in potato crops. No effective chemical control alternatives are currently available, and cultural techniques are unable to reduce harvest losses to acceptable levels. With a focus on biological control, two egg parasitoids (Trichogramma euproctidis and Trichogramma achaeae) were selected and evaluated for use under field and storage conditions. Laboratory assays (choice and no-choice) indicated the preference of both parasitoids for T. solanivora vs. Phthorimaea operculella. Trichogramma euproctidis showed the highest parasitic activity for both moths. Analysis of functional response (at 15, 20, 25 and 27 °C) confirmed the high parasitic potential of T. euproctidis. Furthermore, in assays conducted under darkness conditions, T. achaeae was unable to parasitize eggs. However, in semi-field assays, T. achaeae was more efficient in searching for eggs in the soil than T. euproctidis. Based on these results, T. achaeae was selected to be tested under field conditions, and T. euproctidis was selected for testing under storage conditions.

Insecticidal and Potato Growth Stimulation Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki HD-1

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces Cry toxins against pest insects. Cry proteins are conformed by domains related to pore formation and recognition of protein receptors. Plant-induced systemic resistance (ISR) is triggered due to pest attack, it could be activated by Bacillus sp. Tecia solanivora (Ts) is a potato pest, susceptible to Cry1Ac and Cry1B proteins. This paper indicates the endorsement of Bt kurstaki HD-1 (BtkHD1) in relation to Ts control (Cry1Ac and Cry1B proteins), potato growth promotion, and plant ISR due to pests related to the BtkHD1-potato system. To ensure that ongoing quality control of BtkHD1 was maintained, crystal synthesis (microscopy), cry1 genes presence, and Cry protein production were checked. Bioassays Ts larvae and potato plantlets and an in silico analysis of the hybrid Cry1Ac-Cry1Ba protein and potato ISR related to the BtkHD1 infl uence were performed. Bioassay on Ts larvae shows an LC50 of 536 ng/cm2 of diet. A potato growth promotion assay revealed the effect of BtkHD1 on the length and dry weight of stems. The prospective analysis took into account relevant factors affecting the biological function of the hybrid protein focused on domain II. In silico identification of 15 BtkHD1 proteins and 68 potato proteins related to plant ISR due to pests was completed. This project serves to validation of toxicity on Ts larvae and potato growth effect based on BtkHD1, including a forward analysis of the hybrid Cry1Ac1-Cry1Ba1, and proteins associated with this strain and potato for eliciting plant ISR due to pests.

Efficacy of a postharvest treatment aiming at eradication of all developmental stages of Tecia solanivora in ware potatoes.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panelon Plant Health to prepare and deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of a postharvest treatment aiming to eradicate all developmental stages of Guatemalan potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in ware potatoes. The Panelevaluated the scientific publication describing the elevated CO2 treatment, which was defined as: 10-day exposure to 30% CO2, 20% O2 and 50% N2 in controlled atmosphere at 17°C on the variety Negra Yema de Huevo (Papas Antiguas de Canarias, PDO potatoes, Solanum chaucha). In the scientific publication, the treatment was applied under semi-commercial and commercial conditions on artificially and field-infested tubers. The effect of the pest developmental stage on the treatment efficacy was investigated with artificial infestation of potato tubers with eggs, neonate and second instar larvae. Pupae and adults were placed in separate containers during the treatment. However, the third and fourth larval instars were not investigated. Further limitations were the sample size in the experiments, the mortality rate in the control group and the unknown level of infestation of the naturally infested potato tubers. It was not possible to evaluate the degree of pest freedom due to incomplete data on the conditions of production, i.e. the infestation level in the field. The Panelwas able to conclude that although no surviving insects were observed in the performed experiments, the statistical evaluation of the presented results from the commercial trial indicate that it cannot be excluded that insects would survive the treatment. For example, based on the data provided the 95% confidence interval of the survival rate for eggs was: 0%-0.453%.

First recording of vibration signals caterpillars Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in potato tubers​

The vibrations caused by the caterpillars of Tecia solanivora were registered in potato tubers. Vibrations have a fairly high intensity, but it was not possible to identify patterns in the structure of the amplitude-time and frequency structure of the signals. Using the example of a model predator - Picromerus bidens, it was tested whether these signals could be an effective stimulus for entomophages. Vibrations can be used as an additional method for detecting caterpillars at an early stage of contamination.

Evaluation of the Egg Predator Blattisocius tarsalis (Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) for the Biological Control of the Potato Tuber Moth Tecia solanivora under Storage Conditions

Tecia solanivora is the most prevalent pest causing damage to potato crops in fields in the Canary Islands, but even more so in the postharvest storage period. However, currently, there are no authorised chemical insecticides for potato storage facilities. Analysis of the viability of the predator mite Blattisocius tarsalis as a biological control agent for this moth was carried out. A study of the temperature effect showed B. tarsalis maintains predatory capacity in the range of 10–27 °C. Though predatory activity increases with temperature, no differences in mortality rates were observed between 10 and 20 °C (33.52 ± 2.44 and 40.14 ± 3.54% efficacy rate, respectively), nor between 25 and 27 °C (59.26 ± 4.59 and 75.19 ± 4.64% efficacy rate, respectively). Under microcosm conditions, at low pest infestation (10 eggs), B. tarsalis achieved the highest mortality of eggs at a density of 5 mites, with an efficacy rate of 91.67 ± 8.33%. At high infestation levels (50 eggs), maximum mortality was achieved with a density of 10 mites and efficacy of 98.52 ± 1.48%. The choice-assay showed no preference of B. tarsalis between T. solanivora and Phthorimaea operculella, suggesting this mite could be useful in mixed infestations of potato moths. The results show B. tarsalis is a very good candidate as a control agent in storage conditions and even in mixed infestations of T. solanivora and P. operculella.

Parámetros reproductivos de Tecia solanivora (Povolný, 1973) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) en genotipos de papa (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora is the main pest of potato crop in Colombia. In 2003, Agrosavia began the identification and selection of potato genotypes from the Central Colombian Collection (CCC) for T. solanivora resistance. In 2013 reciprocal diallelic crosses were carried out between commercial varieties and the Guatemalan moth resistant native genotypes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of potato hybrids obtained from crosses, on T. solanivora demographic parameters under laboratory conditions. Five genotypes and two commercial varieties were evaluated in a non-choice trial, through the development of a life table with two consecutive cohorts. Genotypes 4-69, 23-31 and Perla Negra (PN) were found to cause the highest larval mortality (90, 98 and 98%); 23-31 and PN did not allow adults development. In genotypes 4-69 and 23-31, the net reproductive rate (Ro) (3.92 and 4.38) and the intrinsic rate of natural growth (rm) (0.030 and 0.035) decreased, and the initial population doubling time (TD) increased significantly (18,14 and 19,35). These results suggest that three of the evaluated genotypes could have attributes of resistance to T. solanivora due to the antibiosis mechanism by affecting its biology. This study contributes to the search for materials with resistance to the Guatemalan moth, a line of research for potato breeding in Colombia. Additional Keywords: Guatemalan potato moth, life table, antibiosis, antixenosis, pest resistance.

Development of a Quarantine Postharvest Treatment against Guatemalan Potato Moth (Tecia solanivora Povolny)

Tecia solanivora is a quarantine organism regarded as one of the insect pests causing major economic losses during potato cultivation and storage in Central America. The potatoes trade between countries, the interest in introducing new potato varieties, the great adaptability of the insect to different agro-ecological conditions, and the globalization world are serious risks in other potato growing countries. This pest was first recorded in Europe in the Canary Islands, Spain, in 1999, later in Galicia (2015) and then in Asturias (2016). Unfortunately, there are no effective chemical treatments for field control, and their integrated management has variable efficacy. Therefore, the implementation of a postharvest treatment to eradicate the insect, at any stage, during storage and marketing of potato becomes essential to achieve a product free of the insect that prevents its dissemination while maintaining the quality during its commercialization. This article presents the development of a new postharvest treatment of potatoes to eliminate all developmental stages of the Guatemalan moth by the application of a control atmosphere enriched in carbon dioxide. Infested potatoes were exposed to different control atmospheres combination (10, 20, 30, 40, or 50% CO2, 20% O2, and rest of N2). These treatments were applied for 4, 7, and 10 days at 18 ± 2 °C. The 10 days duration treatment (30 ± 2% CO2, 20 ± 2% O2 and 50 ± 2% N2) killed the insect in the semi and commercial trials performed without affecting potatoes quality and postharvest life, giving the possibility of its consideration as a quarantine postharvest treatment against T. solanivora.

Toxic effect of chlorantraniliprole on new‐born larvae of the potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

AbstractThe potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora is an invasive species threatening potato crops and stored tubers. Previous studies have shown that South American populations of this species have evolved insecticide resistance to major classes of insecticides (i.e., pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates). Therefore, testing for other methods of pest control is of increasing importance. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effect of chlorantraniliprole against early immature stages of T. solanivora. We carried out a concentration–mortality bioassay using eggs. Subsequently, we subjected eggs to several insecticide application scenarios and evaluated hatching success, larvae activity and overall mortality of immature stages. Additionally, we analysed the hatching behaviour of larvae when the eggs were treated with chlorantraniliprole. After the concentration–mortality bioassay, we calculated an LC50 of 298.6 ppm, yet the mortality did not occur during the egg‐phase, but rather the neonate larvae experienced the toxic effects of chlorantraniliprole. In the subsequent exposure‐mode bioassay, the hatching success was overall high in all treatments, and larvae mortality reached 100% regardless of exposure mode. Consequently, larvae activity was severely reduced when in contact with the insecticide. Furthermore, when eggs are subjected to such LC50 dose, larvae manage to break through the chorion, but after releasing the legs, each hatching stages takes longer than the previous. Our results highlight the potential use of chlorantraniliprole for the control of T. solanivora in stored potato tubers. Additionally, chlorantraniliprole appears to be a promising alternative for the control of T. solanivora populations resistant to neurotoxic insecticides.

Exploración preliminar del potencial de adopción de un paquete biotecnológico para el control de T. solanivora por parte de productores de papa de la región Cundiboyacense de Colombia

La papa es afectada por el ataque de Tecia solanivora que causa pérdidas hasta del 80%. Variedades genéticamente modificadas y biocontroladores, pueden ser usados para su manejo. Este estudio pretendió determinó el potencial socioeconómico de pequeños productores de papa de la región Cundiboyacense para la adopción de estas estrategias biotecnológicas, mediante encuestas cara a cara y el uso de metodologías como presupuestos parciales y modelo de regresión logística. Los resultados revelan que el tipo de semilla define la adopción, existiendo un interés por tecnologías que permitan el control de la plaga, por lo cual estarían dispuestos a pagar hasta un 30% más del valor actual por esta. La metodología de presupuestos parciales evidenció un efecto económico positivo en los diferentes escenarios planteados. Se concluyó que los pequeños productores de papa de los municipios analizados cuentan con un alto potencial socioeconómico para la adopción del paquete biotecnológico.

Design of expression cassettes using the Cry1Ba1 gene for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties

The most serious insect pest problem in the potato crop in Colombia is the lepidopteran Tecia solanivora that causessignificant economic losses. In this research, we designedexpression cassettes based on the cry1Ba1 gene of Bacillusthuringiensis that could confer resistance to T. solanivora via the variety Pastusa Suprema. We selected the elements of thedesigned expression cassettes through an analysis of scientificliterature and patent databases; the considered factors were theproteolytic activation of the Cry1Ba1 protoxin, modification ofcodonic use, polyadenylation signals, and cryptic splicing sites. We used a tissue-specific patatine promoter to reduce potentialbiosafety risks, because it is expressed only in the tuber. Thefreedom to operate analysis suggests that the commercial use of the designed expression cassettes in transgenic potato plants does not affect the rights of third parties in Colombia.

Trade-off and adaptive cost in a multiple-resistant strain of the invasive potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora.

Resistance to pesticides is an evolutionary process that entails, in most cases, substantial consequences to the biology of the resistant populations. In this study we focus on the life history traits of the potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora, an invasive and voracious pest for which resistance to pyrethroid insecticides was recently reported. Marginally resistant and multiple-resistant populations were selected from eight sampled localities in Colombia; the use of a fully susceptible population was not possible since none was recognized in the laboratory or field. The multiple-resistant Siachoque population exhibited a 42-fold resistance to the carbamate insecticide carbofuran, and low levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos, a trend observed in six of the eight tested populations. This population also exhibits 24-fold resistance to permethrin. The marginally resistant population of Gualmatán showed 4-fold resistance to chlorpyrifos. The multiple-resistant population exhibited a 3.8-day shorter developmental time than the susceptible population, but with higher larval mortality. The peak of egg-laying was delayed in the resistant population in 9 days and the population growth rate was lower than that of the susceptible population. We hypothesize that the short developmental time of the multiple-resistant population may be an adaptation to minimize exposure to insecticides, which are applied to the soil. This adaptation is likely to require the surviving adults to compensate for the smaller nutrient amounts accumulated by the larvae in investing part of its adult life in securing the necessary resources for late-life egg production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tecia solanivora infestation increases tuber starch accumulation in Pastusa Suprema potatoes.

In response to infestation with larvae of the Guatemalan tuber moth (Tecia solanivora), some Solanum tuberosum (potato) varieties exhibit an overcompensation response, whereby the total dry mass of uninfested tubers is increased. Here, we describe early responses, within the first few days, of T. solanivora feeding, in the Colombian potato variety Pastusa Suprema. Non-targeted metabolite profiling showed significant secondary metabolism changes in T. solanivora-infested tubers, but not in uninfested systemic tubers. In contrast, changes in primary metabolism were greater in uninfested systemic tubers than in the infested tubers, with a notable 80% decline in systemic tuber sucrose levels within 1 d of T. solanivora infestation. This suggested either decreased sucrose transport from the leaves or increased sink strength, i.e., more rapid sucrose to starch conversion in the tubers. Increased sucrose synthesis was indicated by higher rubisco activase and lower starch synthase gene expression in the leaves of infested plants. Elevated sink strength was demonstrated by 45% more total starch deposition in systemic tubers of T. solanivora-infested plants compared to uninfested control plants. Thus, rather than investing in increased defense of uninfested tubers, Pastusa Suprema promotes deposition of photoassimilates in the form of starch as a response to T. solanivora infestation.

QTL analysis reveals quantitative resistant loci for Phytophthora infestans and Tecia solanivora in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Late blight and Guatemalan potato tuber moth caused by Phytophthora infestans and Tecia solanivora, respectively, are major phytosanitary problems on potato crops in Colombia and Ecuador. Hence, the development of resistant cultivars is an alternative for their control. However, breeding initiatives for durable resistance using molecular tools are limited due to the genome complexity and high heterozygosity in autotetraploid potatoes. To contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis underlying the resistance to P. infestans and T. solanivora in potato, the aim of this study was to identify QTLs for resistance to P. infestans and T. solanivora using a F1 tetraploid potato segregant population for both traits. Ninety-four individuals comprised this population. Parent genotypes and their progeny were genotyped using SOLCAP 12K potato array. Forty-five percent of the markers were polymorphic. A genetic linkage map was built with a length of 968.4 cM and 1,287 SNPs showing good distribution across the genome. Severity and incidence were evaluated in two crop cycles for two years. QTL analysis revealed six QTLs linked to P. infestans, four of these related to previous QTLs reported, and two novel QTLs (qrAUDPC-3 and qrAUDPC-8). Fifteen QTLs were linked to T. solanivora, being qIPC-6 and qOPA-6.1, and qIPC-10 and qIPC-10.1 stable in two different trials. This study is one of the first to identify QTLs for T. solanivora. As the population employed is a breeding population, results will contribute significantly to breeding programs to select resistant plant material, especially in countries where P. infestans and T. solanivora limit potato production.

Assessing the complexity of the spreading processes of agricultural pests: the case of the Guatemalan potato moth in Tenerife

Potato pests should be considered complex issues with multiple interrelated causes and impacts. These pests cause serious socioeconomic and environmental damage. Several management approaches based on chemical, physical and cultural control methods (among others) have been traditionally applied to deal with such infestations. However, pests' spreading processes often seem virtually unstoppable. Considering that the potato is the fourth most important crop worldwide, this is a major problem, which needs to be tackled from both a global and local perspective.

Developing a biocontrol strategy to protect stored potato tubers from infestation with potato tuber moth species in the Andean region

AbstractHeavy infestations of stored potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers by the two potato tuber moth species Symmetrischema tangolias (Gyen) and Tecia solanivora (Povolny) frequently occur in Andean potato‐growing regions of Ecuador. The aim of the study was to develop a biological control strategy for both species using powder formulations made of inert substances, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) granulovirus (PhopGV) and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. kurstaki (Btk). The LC50 of PhopGV on T. solanivora was 0.33 LE/L, and Btk caused 82.7% mortality at a concentration of 100 g/L in bioassays. The efficacy of talcum, kaolin, calcium carbonate and sand ranged between 76.2% and 98.7%. Calcium carbonate was highly effective to control both species; however, its efficacy was affected by the relative humidity and dropped to 55.4% at relative humidity of 100%. PhopGV at concentrations of five larvae equivalents (LE) per kg kaolin and Btk at a concentration of 60 g Btk/kg talcum caused 95.7% and 88.1% mortality of T. solanivora, respectively. In storage experiments, the efficacy of calcium carbonate alone and in combination with PhopGV (20 LE/kg) and Btk (15 g/kg) caused 95.0–99.8% mortality of T. solanivora in all treatments and reduced infestation on potato tubers by 83.6%–91.0%. In the case of S. tangolias, Btk significantly increased mortality to 96.5% compared with calcium carbonate alone and reduced tuber infestation by 83.4%. Storage of potato tubers in thin layers enhanced the efficacy of the calcium carbonate treatment compared with storage in bags. It was concluded that calcium carbonate alone seems to be appropriate for the control of T. solanivora, and an addition of 15 g Btk/kg would improve the control of S. tangolias. It is suggested to test these new formulations under on‐farm storage conditions.

Host-plant location by the Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora is assisted by floral volatiles

Insects locate their host plants using mainly visual and olfactory cues, generally of the exploited plant structure. However, when the resource is difficult to access, it could be beneficial to utilise indirect cues, which indicates the presence of reward (e.g., oviposition site or mate). In the present study, we investigated the host-plant location strategy of the monophagous Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The larva of the moth feed exclusively on potato Solanum spp. (Solanaceae) tubers usually hidden below ground. Using electrophysiological and behavioural tests, we characterised the olfactory cues mediating the attraction of the moth towards their host plant. Odour blends were made to represent different potato structures: tubers, foliage, and flowers. Synthetic blends were created by combining potato-emitted compounds that were antennal active which showed positive dose–response. Attraction to these blends of compounds in relation to the mating status of males and females was tested in dual-choice Y-tube assays. Both males and females, virgin and mated, were attracted to a three-compound blend representing flower odour, while foliage and tuber blends attracted neither sexes. Oviposition bioassays indicated additionally that the floral blend enhances oviposition. We show that potato flower odour might indicate the presence of an oviposition site for the female and possibly an increased mating opportunity for both sexes. Our results provide one of the few examples of the use of floral odour as a reliable indicator of host and probably mating possibility for phytophagous insects exploiting a site spatially separated from the flower.

Potential of betabaculoviruses to control the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)

AbstractThe tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) is a devastating pest, causing losses of up to 100%. An interesting tool for its control is the use of the insect specific viruses of Baculoviridae family. Despite its high potential, its use on T. absoluta larvae has been poorly studied. In this work, Colombian granuloviruses VG013 and VG003 isolated from T. absoluta and Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) larvae sampled in tomato and potato crops, respectively, were morphologically, biologically and molecularly characterized. Occlusion bodies showed ovoid shape containing one nucleocapsid. Restriction endonuclease analysis revealed a pattern similar to Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus and bioinformatics studies showed that both isolates are variants of that baculovirus specie. Similar mean lethal concentrations (LC50) on T. absoluta larvae were estimated for both viruses, although VG013 exhibited shorter mean time to death than VG003. The latter reached a higher OBs yield in comparison with VG013. These results demonstrated an interesting potential of evaluated betabaculoviruses to control T. absoluta populations and pointed key features to its use under field conditions.