Seed-coat and mote fragment contamination can cause the production of second quality fabric. There are several variables in the field, gin, and textile mill that influence the levels of contamination. Variety may be the pivotal field variable. Saw ginning apparently produces less contamination than roller ginning. The efficiency of fragment removal by textile machinery is relatively low. The presence of fragments increase the number of yarn and fabric defects. Improvements in cultural and processing practices could reduce the incidents of fragments. However, a better way to reduce fragment contamination may be to select varieties that show a low tendency to yield chalazal fragments and produce motes.