This investigation assessed the impact of calcium chloride (CaCl2) seed priming on the direct and indirect defense mechanisms of rice (Oryzasativa L.) against the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvatalugens (Stål). Our findings revealed that seeds primed with CaCl2 significantly curtailed the survival and developmental rates of BPH nymphs and diminished the honeydew secretion by adult females. The feeding behaviour of BPH on CaCl2-pretreated rice showed an extended non-proboscis handling (np) duration, while the phloem ingestion time (N4-b) and xylem ingestion time (N5) were reduced. Additionally, BPH nymphs exhibited a marked preference for H2O-pretreated plants over CaCl2-primed ones for both feeding and oviposition. Conversely, the natural enemy Cytorhinuslividipennis displayed a heightened preference for preying on BPH nymphs and eggs on CaCl2-primed rice. The treatment with calcium led to an increased release of a diverse range of volatile compounds following BPH infestation, compared to H2O pretreatment. Notably, the volatiles Methyl salicylate and 1-octen-3-ol were identified as the most effective deterrents for BPH and attractants for C.lividipennis, respectively, highlighting their potential role in mediating plant-insect interactions.