Exogenous pipecolic acid ameliorates lead-induced phytotoxicity in chili ( <i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.) by enhancing antioxidant capacity and physiological homeostasis

by 63.37% relative to that in stressed plants. Dual delivery systems are synergistic in activating antioxidant enzymes, stabilizing membranes, optimizing gas exchange, and minimizing heavy metal translocation. PipA supplementation showed beneficial effects on reprogramming stress-responsive pathways and holds promise for enhancing crop resilience under chronic metal stress conditions. Reclaiming (polluted) agroecosystems should be accomplished through the adoption of integrated bioremediation protocols using exogenous PipA. Collectively, the evidence suggests that combining both exogenous PipA application methods (initial treatment via seed priming and subsequent treatment via foliage) is a viable, biologically compatible, and practical/flexible way to overcome Pb-induced physiological effects on crop yield in contaminated agricultural ecosystems.