Distribution of Fusarium wilt of muskmelon and watermelon in southwestern Ontario was studied. Particular attention was paid to morphological and physiological variations of the isolates obtained. Morphological variations were based on comparison in culture with a selected standard. Physiological variations were detected by pathogenicity experiments, and a study of assimilation of various carbon and nitrogen compounds. Some further aspects of the biology of the organisms were investigated. An experiment was carried out, employing several muskmelons and watermelon varieties, to compare their resistance under field conditions. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

<p> The Middle Devonian Dundee Limestones of Southwestern Ontario accumulated in the Michigan and Appalachian Basins, with deposition in part being controlled by the proximity to the Findlay and Algonquin arches. Six lithofacies were recognized in the Dundee Formation during detailed core and outcrop studies . Stratigraphic relations indicate that, prior to deposition of Dundee carbonates, a major regression exposed underlying Detroit River sediments adjacent to the arches. Subsequent transgression deposited reworked sands and shallow shelf, bioclastic limestones in most areas of the adjoining basins while in westernmost regions of the Appalachian Basin Columbus Formation sediments were accumulating adjacent to the Findlay Arch. </p> <p> Transgression became interrupted during middle Dundee time and a thick unit of lagoonal muds was deposited in the Appalachian Basin. A regionally well-developed firmground capping these mudstones indicates that a significant episode of non-deposition ensued. The equivalents of these muds in the Michigan Basin are pulses of coarse, reworked grainstones and rudstones indicating that substrates there were shallower and above wave base. Evidence of subsequent renewed transgression is preserved as middle to outer shelf moderately fossiliferous mudstones and wackestones overlying shallow shelf facies. </p> <p> Many friends, too many to mention here, made my stay at McMaster an enjoyable one. Mac wouldn't have been the same without the numerous challenges and imaginative adventures in which these people were always willing to participate. Francois Brissette, Bruce Willmer, Randy Meecham, Stu Miller, Steve Beneteau and other members of the Rockbusters Football and Aureoles Baseball teams provided continuous entertainment both on and off of the sports field. Their dedication and light-hearted approach allowed me to maintain a respectable degree of sanity throughout my studies. </p> <p> Finally, I would like to thank my family for their continual assistance, encouragement and support provided during the pursuit of my academic endeavours. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Technology does not stand alone in any society. Each society negotiates its own relationship with technology and places its own value on it. Each chooses its own path. This thesis considers the path taken towards technology in the 21st Century by Old Colony Mennonites in Southwestern Ontario. Drawing on Coleman, relationships created by digital technologies are difficult to study as they extend or embed themselves into everyday life. While research into traditional Mennonite usage of static technologies exists, new forms of digital technologies – Smartphones, Texting, and Web 2.0 in particular – have not received the same attention. Initially, I asked whether a divide based on a volitional rejection of digital technology exists within the Old Colony. Ancillary questions surround issues of separation from mainstream society and economic disadvantages due to limited technology usage. Research consisted of interviews and observation. Four themes were identified that underpin this thesis; migration, economic, education and technology. Challenging stereotypes surrounding technology usage, evidence suggests it is not a digital divide Old Colony Mennonites negotiate but a continuum. Digital technology usage expands and contracts the walls surrounding isolation and separation from mainstream society. It allows ideas to flow between groups and for the shrinking of space locally and globally. It may lead some to move away from the church but it also may strengthen their ties. Increased literacy skills are identified as a stepping-stone, not towards the mainstream world but toward the desired better life, they left Mexico to pursue.

Technology does not stand alone in any society. Each society negotiates its own relationship with technology and places its own value on it. Each chooses its own path. This thesis considers the path taken towards technology in the 21st Century by Old Colony Mennonites in Southwestern Ontario. Drawing on Coleman, relationships created by digital technologies are difficult to study as they extend or embed themselves into everyday life. While research into traditional Mennonite usage of static technologies exists, new forms of digital technologies – Smartphones, Texting, and Web 2.0 in particular – have not received the same attention. Initially, I asked whether a divide based on a volitional rejection of digital technology exists within the Old Colony. Ancillary questions surround issues of separation from mainstream society and economic disadvantages due to limited technology usage. Research consisted of interviews and observation. Four themes were identified that underpin this thesis; migration, economic, education and technology. Challenging stereotypes surrounding technology usage, evidence suggests it is not a digital divide Old Colony Mennonites negotiate but a continuum. Digital technology usage expands and contracts the walls surrounding isolation and separation from mainstream society. It allows ideas to flow between groups and for the shrinking of space locally and globally. It may lead some to move away from the church but it also may strengthen their ties. Increased literacy skills are identified as a stepping-stone, not towards the mainstream world but toward the desired better life, they left Mexico to pursue.