The sensitivity to Cd of three ectomycorrhizal fungi, Paxillus involutus, Suillus bovinus and Rhizopogon subcaerulescens, was assessed and compared in terms of radial growth and dry mass production, using both agar and liquid culture. The radial growth of S. bovinus and R. subcaerulescens was significantly reduced at the lowest concentration (0.1mg Cd/L). The 50% effective concentration (EC) values calculated from radial growth rates of the ectomycorrhizal fungi showed that the sensitivity of the fungi to Cd was greatest in S. bovinus and lowest in R. subcaerulescens. Cadmium addition also significantly decreased dry mass production of the ectomycorrhizal fungi. The sensitivity of the fungi to Cd in terms of dry mass production, was greatest in S. bovinus and lowest in P. involutus. Higher growth rates of P. involutus and melanisation of R. subcaerulescens appeared to contribute to reduced Cd toxicity.y.