What term describes organisms that may be harmed by insecticide applications?

The term that describes organisms that may be harmed by insecticide applications is "non-target organisms." In the context of pest control, non-target organisms refer to any species that are not intended to be affected by the insecticide but could still be exposed to it and suffer adverse effects. This includes a wide range of creatures such as beneficial insects, wildlife, pets, and even humans.

Insecticides are typically designed to target specific pests; however, their application can unintentionally impact other species that are not the focus of the control measures. Understanding and identifying non-target organisms is crucial in integrated pest management, as protecting these organisms helps maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately capture the essence of organisms at risk from insecticides. Target organisms are those that insecticides are meant to control. Beneficial organisms refer to species that provide ecological benefits, such as pollinators or predators of pests, and indigenous organisms typically relate to species native to a specific area, without the inherent implication of risk from pesticide exposure. Thus, using the term "non-target organisms" effectively highlights the potential consequences of insecticide applications beyond the intended impact.