The purpose of this work was to characterize the functions of two sesquiterpene synthase genes from moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). Two novel sesquiterpene synthase genes, belonging to the Tpsa subfamily, were isolated from moso bamboo. MoTPS2 was 1641 bp in length and encoded a protein of 63 kDa, whereas MoTPS6 was 1626 bp in length, encoded protein 62.4 kDa. Both genes were expressed in Pichia pastoris for heterologous expression, and protein contents reached 0.243 mu g mu L-1 for MoTPS2 and 0.088 mu g mu L-1 for MoTPS6. The soluble enzymes were catalytically active, and capable of converting farnesyl pyrophosphate to two distinct sesquiterpene compounds. The MoTPS2 gene encoded a farnesol synthase which was responsible for the production of (E, E)-farnesol. MoTPS6 showed nerolidol synthase activity, catalyzing the formation of (E)-nerolidol. Functional characterization of both MoTPSs should prove beneficial for future research into large-scale fermentation of sesquiterpenes. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.