Role of Permethrin in Positive Crop Yield and Its Harmful Environmental Effects

Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, has been extensively employed in agricultural systems worldwide to manage a broad spectrum of economically damaging insect pests. Its efficacy against lepidopteran, coleopteran, and hemipteran pests has contributed significantly to improvements in crop yield and quality. However, the widespread use of permethrin has raised substantial concerns regarding its ecological and toxicological impacts on non-target organisms, including beneficial arthropods, aquatic fauna, and vertebrates. This review synthesizes current evidence on the dual role of permethrin in agricultural productivity enhancement and its associated harmful effects, drawing on peer-reviewed literature to evaluate its agronomic benefits against environmental and health risks. A balanced understanding of permethrin's role is essential for informing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that maximize crop output while minimizing ecological damage.