As a result of the study of the rice genetic collection the theoretical principles have been worked out and priority directions of rice breeding in the South of Ukraine have been outlined. As the main directions of rice breeding were chosen a reduction of the duration of the vegetative period, dwarfism, increasing of the genetic potential of grain productivity and plant adaptability to unfavorable biotic environmental factors. The optimal morphological, genetic and physiological parameters of an intensive variety model of rice have been justified. The plants which meet these parameters are capable to use efficiently the agro-ecological potential of this climatic region, and to ensure the formation of grain yield potential at the level of 8,0-10,0 t/ha with high grain quality.