Evaluation of mortality factors using life table analysis of Gratiana boliviana, a biological control agent of tropical soda apple in Florida

► Gratiana boliviana is a biological control agent of Solanum viarum in Florida. ► Survival to adulthood in open cages (15%) was similar in North and Central Florida. ► Survival was higher in closed cages (51%) than open cages (15%). ► Beetle survival in a natural population determined from vertical life tables was 5%. ► Positive growth rate (rm = 0.3) results in reduction of S. viarum in Central Florida.