Abstract: Described are polynucleotides encoding a caryophyllene synthase. Also described are recombinant nucleic acid molecules and vectors comprising said polynucleotide as well as to host cells genetically engineered with said polynucleotides. Further described are caryophyllene synthase polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotides as well as binding molecules specifically recognizing said polypeptide. Additionally, described are transgenic plant cells, plant tissues and plants genetically engineered with the caryophyllene synthase-encoding polynucleotide, corresponding methods for the production of said transgenic plant cells, plant tissues and plants and corresponding uses and methods using said polynucleotide for establishing or enhancing resistance against a herbivore, preferably a root-damaging insect in plants, particularly resistance against the corn rootworm in maize plants.

Abstract: Described are polynucleotides encoding a caryophyllene synthase. Also described are recombinant nucleic acid molecules and vectors comprising said polynucleotide as well as host cells genetically engineered with said polynucleotides. Further described are caryophyllene synthase polypeptides encoded by said polynucleotide as well as binding molecules specifically recognizing said polypeptide. Additionally, described are transgenic plant cells, plant tissues and plants genetically engineered with the caryophyllene synthase-encoding polynucleotide, corresponding methods for the production of said transgenic plant cells, plant tissues and plants and corresponding uses and methods using said polynucleotide for establishing or enhancing resistance against a herbivores, preferably a root-damaging insects in plants, particularly resistance against the corn rootworm in maize plants.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding geranyl diphosphate synthase from peppermint has been isolated and sequenced, and the corresponding amino acid sequence has been determined. Accordingly, an isolated DNA sequence (SEQ ID No:1) is provided which codes for the expression of geranyl diphosphate synthase (SEQ ID No:2) from peppermint (Mentha piperita). In other aspects, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles are provided which code for geranyl diphosphate synthase or for a base sequence sufficiently complementary to at least a portion of the geranyl diphosphate synthase DNA or RNA to enable hybridization therewith (e.g., antisense geranyl diphosphate synthase RNA or fragments of complementary geranyl diphosphate synthase DNA which are useful as polymerase chain reaction primers or as probes for geranyl diphosphate synthase or related genes).