The influence of the continuous and pulse luminescent illumination on Phaffia rhodozyma yeast growth and astaxanthin biosynthesis during the batch process in flasks has been studied. The optimal continuous illumination for the astaxanthin yield was established. The light excess over the optimum value was shown to inhibit the carotenogenesis in the yeasts. The character of the effect of the pulse illumination on the biomass growth and astaxanthin production during cell cultivation on a standard medium containing crystalline glucose, peptone and yeast extract was investigated. The results showed that the high astaxanthin accumulation is attainable using the combination of simultaneous reducing of light duration and increasing illumination.