Azalea Middle Looks Dead

Question

Azalea has lost leaves, wood has turned black. This is the center vertical section of the plant. The outside sections back are green and blooming. I have not sprayed anything on or around it. Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer 1

It is most likely either sooty mold or sooty canker. Here is more information on these diseases: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-disease-identification-sooty-canker-fungus.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm