The total pigment and astaxanthin content of Phaffia rhodozyma increased with increasing concentrations alpha-pinene up to 500 mu l alpha-pinene/l. Above this concentration the total pigment and astaxanthin content as well as the biomass production decreased. The addition of 500 mu l alpha-pinene/l increased the total pigment content from 1652 mu g/g to 2201 mu g/g and the astaxanthin content from 1554 mu g/g to 1883 mu g/g. A sharp decrease In maximum specific growth rate occurred above 150 mu l alpha-pinene/l.