Divergent selection for ester-linked diferulates in maize pith stalk tissues. Effects on cell wall composition and degradability

► We examined the effects of diferulates on cell wall composition and degradability. ► Diferulate ester deposition in maize pith cell walls was modified through breeding. ► Selection affected diferulate and ferulate biosynthesis differently. ► Increased diferulates resulted in repacking of the cell wall matrix. ► Higher diferulates, especially 8-8-coupled, reduced rumen cell wall degradability.