What are "non-target organisms"?

The term "non-target organisms" specifically refers to organisms that are not the intended targets of pesticide applications, meaning they are not the pests that the pesticide is meant to control. This includes beneficial insects, such as pollinators and natural pest predators, as well as other wildlife that could be affected by pesticide use. Understanding this concept is crucial because protecting non-target organisms is important for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

Pesticide regulations often emphasize the need to minimize impacts on non-target species to ensure environmental safety and sustainability. Therefore, identifying and understanding non-target organisms is essential for responsible pest management and for making informed decisions regarding pesticide applications. The other options do not accurately reflect this definition: some suggest organisms that can be ignored, others refer to pests or specific testing plants, which do not align with the relevant definition of non-target organisms.