Pronunciation: [pˈɪklɔːɹˌam] (IPA) 
Picloram is a herbicide commonly used in land management. It is pronounced as /ˈpɪklɔːræm/. This word has five syllables and the primary stress is on the third syllable "LO". The "P" is pronounced as /p/, the "I" as /ɪ/, "C" as /k/, "L" as /l/, "O" as /ɔː/, "R" as /r/, "A" as /æ/, and "M" as /m/. The correct spelling of this word is important for proper communication in the field of agriculture and land management.
Picloram is a synthetic herbicide that belongs to the chemical group of pyridines. It is widely used in agriculture, forestry, and range management for selective control of unwanted broadleaf weeds, brush, and woody plants.
Derived from triclopyr, another herbicide, picloram is highly effective in controlling plants that can outcompete desired vegetation in various ecosystems. It acts as a hormonal weedkiller, disrupting the normal growth and development of plants by mimicking the plant hormone auxin. This interference with the natural hormone balance in plants leads to distortion, stunting, and ultimately the death of targeted vegetation.
Picloram is commonly applied through foliar spraying, basal bark treatment, or soil application, depending on the specific weed control needs of the area. It has a long-lasting residual activity, which ensures control of weeds for an extended period. However, it is non-selective and can also harm desirable plants if not used carefully. Therefore, caution must be exercised during application to minimize damage to non-target vegetation.
Due to its potential environmental persistence and toxicity, picloram is subject to stringent regulations and guidelines to ensure its safe application and minimize any negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. These regulations include restrictions on its use near water bodies or areas with sensitive vegetation, as well as requirements for proper disposal of containers and waste materials containing picloram.
The word "Picloram" comes from the combination of two words: "picolinic acid" and "amino".
"Picolinic acid" is an organic compound that was first discovered in coal tar, hence its original name "picoline tartrate". The name "picolinic" is derived from the Latin word "picus", meaning "woodpecker", as it was initially isolated from the urine of woodpeckers that had fed on ants.
The term "amino" refers to the presence of an amino group (-NH2) in the compound. In organic chemistry, the term "amino" is commonly used to indicate the presence of this group in a molecule.
By combining these two terms, we get "Picloram", which describes a compound that contains both the picolinic acid moiety and the amino group.
