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. In addition, described are regulatory sequences derived from the caryophyllene synthase-encoding gene described herein and corresponding compounds, methods and uses relating to applications of said regulatory sequence. Moreover, described is a method for breeding a plant having a resistance against a herbivores, preferably a root-damaging insect comprising a selection step for progenitor lines and/or offspring that express said caryophyllene synthase polypeptide.