This study utilized physical and in silico experiments to confirm that geometric parameters are far 30 more influential in determining stalk strength than mechanical tissue stiffnesses. Abstract 32The maize (Zea mays) stem is a biological structure that must both balance biotic and structural 33 load bearing duties. These competing requirements are particularly relevant in the design of new 34 bioenergy crops. With the right balance between structural and biological activities, it may be 35 possible to design crops that are high-yielding and have digestible biomass. But increased stem 36 digestibility is typically associated with a lower structural strength and higher propensity for 37 lodging. This study investigates the hypothesis that geometric factors are much more influential in 38 determining structural strength than tissue properties. To study these influences, both physical and 39 in silico experiments were used. First, maize stems were tested in three-point bending. Specimen-40 specific finite element models were created based on x-ray computed tomography scans. Models 41 were validated by comparison with in vitro data. As hypothesized, geometry was found to have a 42 much stronger influence on structural stability than material properties. This information 43 reinforces the notion that deficiencies in tissue strength could be offset by manipulation of stalk 44 morphology, thus allowing the creation of stalks with are both resilient and digestible. 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53