It was bad enough that our region’s cold, wet spring affected our tomato plants’ ability to produce a normal crop. When an unusual insect problem arose on them as well, I began taking it personally.

ONTARIO, Ore. — Anitha Chitturi has researched thrips for a decade. Most recently, she’s focused on managing the tiny insects in the Treasure Valley onion crop — including by reducing their appetites.

It happens to all of us sooner or later: You think you have the perfect gladiola or sweat pea blooming, so you decide to harvest and bring some of your beauties indoors for bragging rights. Then you ...