UNICA
Heat- and drought-tolerant. Released in Peru, now grown commercially in 13+ Chinese provinces as Qingshu 9.
At a glance
Best uses
About this variety
Heat- and drought-tolerant. Released in Peru, now grown commercially in 13+ Chinese provinces as Qingshu 9.
UNICA is classified as a andean / native variety released in 2002, primarily used for all-purpose, frying / fries. For agronomic specs, breeder details, and trial data not yet captured here, refer to the source registries linked at the bottom of this page.
Where is UNICA grown?
UNICA is most commonly grown in Andean / Native, with original release from Peru / CIP. The variety is commercially established within its regional context. Cultivation footprint reflects the variety's adaptation to local agroclimatic conditions and the breeding programme's regional focus.
Production data for the specific countries where UNICA dominates is documented through CIP, USDA, AHDB, ICAR-CPRI, NAK Netherlands, and national agricultural agencies depending on origin. Cross-reference our country profiles for production context — see the global country index or specific producers in Andean / Native.
What is UNICA best used for?
UNICA is best suited to all-purpose, frying / fries. Heat- and drought-tolerant. Released in Peru, now grown commercially in 13+ Chinese provinces as Qingshu 9.
End-use suitability is determined by specific gravity, flesh colour, dry-matter content, and reducing-sugar levels. Variety selection should match end-use specifications documented through breeder guidance and trial data. See the complete varieties guide for cross-variety comparison.
When was UNICA released and by whom?
UNICA was released in 2002 by Peru / CIP. The variety belongs to the Andean / Native family of cultivars and reflects the breeding objectives of its origin programme — typically a combination of yield improvement, disease resistance, and end-use specification matching the dominant commercial demand of the period.
As a more recent release, UNICA reflects modern breeding priorities — likely combining yield improvement with updated disease-resistance packages and end-use specification matching contemporary processor or retail demand.
How does UNICA compare to similar varieties?
Within the Andean / Native family of cultivars, UNICA is classified as a iconic variety. Comparable varieties include Papa Amarilla, Papa Negra, Tunta / Chuño — each with distinct breeding histories and end-use profiles. Cross-comparison data is available through our variety database.
For systematic comparison see the variety compare tool or browse all 237 varieties in our database. Each variety has its own dedicated profile with origin, traits, and uses documented from primary breeder sources.
Frequently asked questions about UNICA
What is UNICA potato?+
UNICA is a andean / native potato variety released in 2002 originating from Peru / CIP. Heat- and drought-tolerant. Released in Peru, now grown commercially in 13+ Chinese provinces as Qingshu 9.
What is UNICA potato best used for?+
UNICA is best suited to all-purpose, frying / fries. Heat- and drought-tolerant. Released in Peru, now grown commercially in 13+ Chinese provinces as Qingshu 9.
When was UNICA released?+
UNICA was released in 2002. The variety is classified as andean / native (Iconic).
Where is UNICA grown?+
UNICA is most commonly grown in Andean / Native, with original release from Peru / CIP. Cross-reference our country profiles for production data.
Variety profiles aggregate data from CIP Lima genebank, ICAR-CPRI variety catalogue, EU Common Catalogue, USDA PVPO, AHDB Potato Variety Database, NIAB, NAK Netherlands, the Potato Pedigree Database, national breeding programmes (CAAS, EARO, BARI, INTA, EMBRAPA, INIFAP, IHAR-PIB, VNIIKKH), and peer-reviewed literature in Potato Research and the American Journal of Potato Research.
Updated May 2026 · Reviewed by Potatopedia editorial team.