This paper reviews research on seed-coat fragment formation and removal from cotton during the period 1950-87. It describes how the fragments are created and explains how the number and weight of fragments change during the harvesting, ginning and processing operations. In particular are covered the influence of seed-coat characteristics, boll maturity, harvesting procedure, mechanical handling, saw and roller ginning, ginning rates, gin-saw tooth shape, and lint cleaning on fragment content in lint or yarn. The publication compiles the available significant information from previous research and formulates a basis for new studies to reduce the amount of seed-coat fragments in cotton.