To maximize the biomass and lipid production for applications in food or biofuel feedstock, nine stress conditions were tested considering N and/or P limitations, light intensity & quality, for Haematococcus pluvialis SCCAP K-0084 cultivation. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), warm white light emitting diode (WWLED), and white light emitting diode (WLED) at illumination of 240 mu mol photons m(-2) sec(-1) were the best stress-regulatory factors. PAR without P & low N conditions yielded high biomass with 33% lipids containing increased C16:0 and C18:0 saturated fatty acids, and reduced unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (oleic, linoleic, and alpha/gamma-linolenic). WWLED and WLED without P conditions also yielded high biomass, but 25% lipids with increased amounts of UFAs. Red light emitting diode (RLED) without P & low N conditions yielded 46% lipids with lowest biomass. PAR and WWLED & WLED illuminated conditions were found suitable respectively for biodiesel feedstock lipids and UFA-rich lipids for multiple applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.