The disclosure provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a 7-epizingiberene synthase, a chimeric gene comprising said nucleic acid molecule, vectors comprising the same, as well as isolated 7-epizingiberene synthase proteins themselves. In addition, transgenic plants and plant cells comprising a gene encoding a 7-epizingiberene synthase, optionally integrated in its genome, and methods for making such plants and cells, are provided. Especially Solanaceae plants and plant parts (seeds, fruit, leaves, etc.) with enhanced insect pest resistance are provided.

This disclosure describes a recombinant microbial cells and methods of making and using such recombinant microbial cells. Generally, the recombinant cells may be modified to exhibit increased biosynthesis of a TCA derivative compared to a wild-type control. In some embodiments, the TCA derivative can include 1,4-butanediol. In various embodiments, the microbial cell is a fungal cell or a bacterial cell. In some embodiments, the increased biosynthesis of the TCA derivative can include an increase in xylose dehydrogenase activity, xylonolactonase activity, xylonate dehydratase activity, or 2-keto-3-deoxyaldonic acid dehydratase activity.

This disclosure describes a recombinant microbial cells and methods of making and using such recombinant microbial cells. Generally, the recombinant cells may be modified to exhibit increased biosynthesis of a TCA derivative compared to a wild-type control. In some embodiments, the TCA derivative can include 1,4-butanediol. In various embodiments, the microbial cell is a fungal cell or a bacterial cell. In some embodiments, the increased biosynthesis of the TCA derivative can include an increase in xylose dehydrogenase activity, xylonolactonase activity, xylonate dehydratase activity, or 2-keto-3-deoxyaldonic acid dehydratase activity.