Only two fungus species,Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae,have been given serious attention as possible microbial controls for stored-product pests.Their host ranges are broad, but their potency for the various target insects varies greatly,and some of the most important pests such as the red flour beetle are very tolerant of fungi.Accordingly, strategies are needed to improve the fungal performance.One such strategy is combination with other environmentally benign treatments such as controlled desiccant dusts and controlled atmospheres. Ironically the relatively dryness of stored-product environments favors fungal efficacy.Desiccation stress renders some insects more vulnerable to fungi.The longevity of fungus spores is also best under dry conditions.The prospects of fungi for control of stored-product pests can be improved by taking advantage of these phenomena and judicious selection of use venues and application strategies.