Moni

On second thought, forget the adelgid. They look like white fuzzy things and you would have been able to see that. What was I thinking? Sorry about that. I've been home sick all week and spacing out on the computer.

I still say, though, that it could be an insect problem. That would explain the black sooty stuff that you saw initially. Check for regular aphids, scale, anything that exudes sticky stuff. That is usually what encourages black mold.

Also, have you thought about using Neem Oil? That works on both insects and diseases. Fairly harmless otherwise. Read the label.
Moni