The effect of mercury on the establishment of Pinus rigida seedlings and the development of their ectomycorrhizal communities

► High concentrations of mercury in soil decreased survival of Pinus rigida seedlings. ► Mercury did not inhibit growth of surviving seedlings. ► Richness and diversity of root tip morphotypes were affected by mercury. ► Mercury in soil at 88 μg g−1 led to dominance by one or two root tip morphotypes.