Addressing the urgent demand for biofortified wheat enriched with health-beneficial dietary fibres such as β-glucan, this study employed a meticulous crossbreeding process between established wheat cultivars and the β-glucan-rich wild relative Aegilops kotschyi accession “AK-3790”.

Within this context, a derivative line encompassing a pair of 7U chromosomes from Ae. kotschyi, denoted as 63-2-13 (Tiwari et al., 2010), was identified. The presence of the 7U chromosome in this line was confirmed through a comprehensive molecular marker and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis. To augment β-glucan content in hexaploid wheat, two distinct backcross populations were developed utilizing the 63-2-13 line as the donor parent and two separate recurrent parents (WH1105 and HD3086).

These populations underwent an exacting selection regimen, encompassing parent-like phenotypes, heightened yield, and robust resistance to yellow rust, meticulously tracked across successive generations until the BC2F2 stage. Among the outcomes, selected BC2F2 progenies exhibited remarkable enhancements in β-glucan levels, with a notable contender (BC2F2 23-5) showcasing an impressive 1.76% grain β-glucan content.

Despite a discernible reduction in yield compared to their high-yielding counterparts, BC2F223-5 demonstrated a harmonious trait profile, encompassing heightened β-glucan content and moderate yellow rust resistance, thus positioning it as a compelling candidate for subsequent refinement endeavours.

This research notably underscores the substantial potential of precise introgression strategies for amplifying β-glucan content in wheat, thereby underscoring the imperative of adept trait optimization to ensure both yield stability and nutritional enhancement.