Characterization of the plastidial geraniol synthase from Madagascar periwinkle which initiates the monoterpenoid branch of the alkaloid pathway in internal phloem associated parenchyma

► The CrGES cDNA from Catharanthus roseus was cloned and characterized. ► CrGES displays geraniol synthase activity. ► The CrGES gene is up-regulated by methyl jasmonate. ► The protein is localized in plastid stroma and stromules. ► CrGES transcripts are expressed in internal phloem associated parenchyma.