Violaxanthin (5,6,5′,6′-diepoxy-5,6,5′,6′-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol) was shown to be the major carotenoid in maize root cap during seed germination according to chromatographic and spectroscopic studies. The biosynthesis of this pigment is not influenced by light and the biological significance of this carotenoid in maize root tip is briefly discussed.