Riehl, L.A., & LaDue, J.P. 1952 Evaluation of petroleum fractions against California red scale and citrus red mite.. Advances in Chemistry Series 7: 25-36.

Notes: The insecticidal efficiency under laboratory conditions of various members of two series of narrow boiling petroleum fractions was determined for adult female California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.) and eggs of the citrus red mite, Paratetranychus citri (McG.). Correlations between efficiency and vairous properties of the fractions such as structural character, molecular weight, and viscosity were observed. These correlations indicate that conventional spray oils used on citrus in California may contain appreciable amounts of hydrocarbons of low insecticidal activity. The evidence indicates that the insecticidal efficiency of spray oils against citrus insect pests may be considerably improved by proper selection with respect to structural character and molecular size.