The effects of different aeration conditions on xylitol production from corncob hemicellulose hydrolysate by Candida sp. ZU04 were investigated. Batch fermentations were carried out in a 3.7-L fermentor at 30 degrees C, pH 5.5, and agitation of 300 rpm. It was found that the two-phase aeration process was more effective than the one-phase aeration process in xylitol production. In the first 24 h of the aerobic phase, a high aeration rate was applied, glucose was soon consumed, and biomass increased quickly. In the second fermentation phase, aeration rate was reduced and an improved xylitol yield was obtained. The maximum xylitol yield (0.76 g/g) was obtained with an aeration rate of 1.5 vvm (KLa of 37 h(-1)) for the first 24 h and 0.3 vvm (KLa of 6 h(-1)) from 24 to 96 h.