What is "ziram"

n. (context organic compound English) A zinc salt C₆H₁₂N₂S₄Zn used as a fungicide.

Ziram or zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate is primarily used as an agricultural fungicide to control and prevent the spread of fungal infections. It functions as a protectant fungicide, which means it remains active on the plant’s surface where it forms a chemical barrier between the plant and a fungus. A protectant fungicide is not absorbed into the plant and must be applied prior to infection. Ziram can either be directly sprayed on to a plant’s leaf or it can be used as a soil and seed treatment. The top five crops ziram is used on are: almonds, peaches, nectarines, pears, and table and raisin grapes.

Alternatively, ziram is used as an additive ingredient in industrial adhesives, caulking, and paint. It also serves as a bird and mammal repellent on outdoor ornamental items. Annually, approximately 1.9 million pounds of the active ziram ingredient are used. Ziram is often sold in powder or granule form.